More Work And Holiday Opportunities for Young Aussies in the U.K.

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, has welcomed the United Kingdom’s Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) that will give Australians aged 18 to 30 the opportunity to enjoy two full years of work and holiday in Britain.

The YMS will replace the UK’s Working Holiday Scheme and means young Australians thinking of traveling to the UK, will no longer be limited to 12 months’ work during their two year stay.

‘The reciprocal Working Holiday program has significant social and economic benefits for both countries,’ Senator Evans said.

‘The young Brits that come to Australia help support our economy by providing supplementary labor for industries in need of short-term casual workers and provide an important source of revenue for the Australian tourist industry.

‘The new scheme is likely to encourage more Australians to travel to and experience the UK while supplementing their income through working.’

In 2007-08, Australia granted 34 145 Working Holiday visas to young Britons. In the same financial year, 14 893 young Australians were granted visas to work and holiday in the UK.

The UK is one of 19 nations that have reciprocal Working Holiday arrangements with Australia. These arrangements will continue with no changes for Britons and other nationals traveling to Australia under the Working Holiday program.

The new scheme begins in November as part of broader reforms to the UK migration system that includes introducing an Australian-style points test system for new migrants.

‘Australia’s points-based system is central to our firm, fair and transparent management of immigration and has great benefits for all concerned,’ Senator Evans said.

‘It is objective, designed to select skilled migrants who meet the needs of Australia’s economy and non-discriminatory, in that anyone of any religion, nationality or ethnicity who meets the objective criteria is eligible for a visa.

‘Australia and the UK discuss immigration matters in a number of international forums, and we are pleased that our experience is helping the UK to establish its own points tested system.

‘Australia believes that we all benefit from the establishment of well regulated and managed immigration systems in receiving countries.  The UK reforms will contribute to the stability and integrity of global immigration movements.’

Source: Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

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