The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word EMIGRANTS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
E
M
I
G
R
A
N
T
S
More clues leading to the result EMIGRANTS
- Settlers built grand minarets
- They leave native lands, streaming abroad
- Garments I altered — they’ve had 13 across 22 across
- Streaming out, they aim to settle abroad
- They’ve left me staring in bewilderment
- Record company no longer gets permits for people leaving the country
- Space this person allows for travellers
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "they aim to settle abroad" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case they aim to settle abroad = emigrants.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EMIGRANTS mean?
EMIGRANTS noun- Someone who leaves a country to settle in a new country.
- Any of various pierid butterflies of the genus Catopsilia. Also called a migrant.