Gales and rain battered foreigners (9)

I believe the answer is:

algerians

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'foreigners' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'gales and rain battered' is the wordplay.
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'battered' is an anagram indicator.
'gales' put after 'rain' is 'raingales'.
'raingales' anagrammed gives 'ALGERIANS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.