Progress to date: Reciprocal UK-EU Youth Mobility Schemes
The UK Trade and Business Commission has recommended the creation of a new Youth Mobility Visa Scheme between the UK and the EU. The UKTBC is recommending that the UK look to secure schemes on a bilateral basis with individual EU member states.
Read the recommendation in full here.
In July 2023, it became apparent that the Home Office was looking to do just that - and had approached individual EU member states with the intention of negotiating reciprocal youth mobility schemes. Former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs George Eustice MP came out strongly in support of such a scheme as well.
However, logistical challenges have prevented the completion of these negotiations so far: the competence for negotiating youth mobility schemes lies at the level of individual EU member states. However, the European Commission is keen for any such scheme to be negotiated at Commission level and has expressed concerns about bilateral negotiations between the UK and individual member states.
There may also be some differences in vision between the what the UK has said so far - with the emphasis from Eustice and the UK Government falling heavily on plugging labour market gaps in the UK, particularly in lower paid fields, while the European Commission messaging has focussed on cultural exchange and mutual benefit.
It may be that the UK needs to adapt its language with the EU to progress negotiations and get a deal over the line.
“We would urge the Government to widen the Youth Mobility Scheme and Shortage Occupation List as a starting point to solve recruitment woes, in addition to wider reform of skills and training.”
“A YMS deal would benefit all parts of the UK tourism industry, inbound, outbound and domestic, and also have a positive impact across the whole of the economy. It’s an ‘off-the-shelf’ policy solution that really should be seen as a win-win by everyone. It’s encouraging to see leading political figures getting behind it.”
“Negotiate comprehensive Youth Mobility schemes between the UK and EU, covering school visits and exchanges, associate membership of Erasmus+, and the ability to work for young people, under time-limited visas.”
“The UK- EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly believes that facilitating reciprocal youth mobility to travel, work and study between the EU and the UK creates valuable opportunities for cultural exchange”
News
Evidence
