Only around four out of ten expatriates are set to return home over the holiday period, according to a survey by health insurer Bupa International.

Around seven out of ten are not intending to move away from the country in which they currently live within the next 12 months, and more than half think the economic situation in their country of residence is better than their country of origin.

Dr Sneh Khemka, medical director of Bupa International, said, “There is no doubt that the economic downturn is affecting expats all over the world. Our survey shows that 56% of them are cutting back on spending due to the credit crunch, which may be why so many of them aren’t planning to spend the holiday season with family and friends.”