The United Kingdom WHV: Youth Mobility Scheme negotiations with the EU

Since the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, youth mobility options have been sadly reduced, disappointing thousands of young Europeans who previously enjoyed moving freely between EU countries and the UK.

We’ve been hoping for positive news on the UK Working Holiday Visa (WHV) ever since Brexit. It’s not guaranteed to happen… but a proposal is now under discussion! The UK and the EU have been considering the benefits of a Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) for several months.

The UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS)

The UK already has reciprocal agreements with 13 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Japan. These agreements allow young people from these countries to work or study in the UK for up to two years (or even three for some nationalities) without the requirement of finding an employer first. Young British citizens can go on a WHV in these countries in return.

Though the terms are not completely identical, the YMS is the UK’s equivalent to other countries’ WHV scheme. Eligibility criteria varies for each country, but there is an age limit (30 years old, 35 for some countries) and an annual visa quota. The current price of the YMS visa is £319.

If the agreement were to be signed

If an agreement between the UK and the EU comes to fruition, it will likely be offered to young people aged 18 to 30. The EU is proposing the YMS could last for up to four years (again, it’s not guaranteed).

Under the proposed WHV agreement, citizens of EU countries would be able to work and/or study in any of the four countries that make up the UK: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Remember that if you’re interested in moving to Ireland, this territory is part of the EU, not the UK!

In return, young adults from the UK would be able to work and/or study in EU countries.

Obstacles to the new agreement

Despite the clear benefits of the WHV, the current British government hasn’t been keen to sign a youth mobility agreement, as they are reluctant to reinstate freedom of movement.

Delays have also occurred because the EU are considering reframing the WHV proposal as a cultural enrichment or youth experience program. Nick Thomas-Symonds, the British Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations, said a few months ago that the UK was waiting for concrete proposals from the EU before they could make a decision.

Source.