As part of its efforts to reset the UK’s relationship with the trading bloc, the UK government is expected to offer a scheme for youth mobility to European Union (EU) members.
According to a report by The Times, under a “Australian-style plan”, young EU workers and student would be able live and work in Britain for two years with the option of an additional year, according to the report.
This reciprocal scheme allows young Britons aged 18-30 to have similar access in other EU countries.
The number of young adults allowed to enter the UK each year would be limited and participants would pay a surcharge for NHS. They would be denied state benefits.
Ministers are hoping that the plans can be agreed upon in time for the “Brexit Reset” summit to take place in London on May 19.
The UK government had previously rejected the idea for an EU youth mobility programme.
The British government has not yet decided the maximum annual amount at which it will cap the EU scheme, but rumors suggest 70,000. The UK scheme would have a much lower population proportion than Australia, where there are 27 million people compared to 68 million in the UK.
According to last year’s statistics, the number visas granted under the Australian scheme were capped at 45,000. All beneficiaries would be expected to pay an upfront average of PS1,552 for immigration health surcharges over two years plus a PS298 charge.
If visas are issued at the same rate as Australia, then about 750,000 visas would be issued each year to EU citizens.
The EU will likely contest the British conditions to establish a scheme. The European Commission is against healthcare surcharges and believes that mobility should not be subject to a cap.
A spokesperson for the UK government said: “We’re committed to resetting our relationship with the EU in order to improve the security, safety, and prosperity of the British people. Of course, we will listen to EU suggestions. We have made it clear that there will not be a return to the freedom of movement, customs union or single market.
The UK, however, is also looking to reduce trade friction in other areas. This includes eliminating checks on the export of plant and food products, accepting professional qualifications from both sides, and reaching a new agreement regarding fishing quotas. There is a belief that youth mobility will require concessions.
Naomi Smith, CEO of Best for Britain which has been campaigning for youth mobility in the UK since May 2023 said: “If the reports are true, it is a welcome and commonsense move by the Government to help businesses struggling with labour shortages across the UK.
Our polling consistently shows that 60% of voters support the idea. It’s a win for the UK as well as the EU.”
Kamilla Kemen, partner in DMH Stallard’s city office and an expert in immigration, said that businesses would welcome the new development. “It will provide a welcomed increase in flexibility in the labour market, and temporarily address the staff shortages in such sectors as hospitality and retail.”
“Notably, the youth mobility visa does not require an employer to sponsor it, which promotes the free movement of workers between employers.
It is still unclear what form or shape the scheme will take, and when it might be implemented. The talks may be affected in particular by the push to exempt the scheme from paying the immigration health surcharge.
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