British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly turned down a proposed working holiday visa agreement with Spain.
This decision highlights the ongoing impact of Brexit on UK-EU relations and youth mobility opportunities.
A shift in UK-EU relations
The UK’s stance on youth mobility schemes with European Union (EU) countries has become a hot topic since Brexit.
Before leaving the EU, young Brits and Europeans could freely work and travel in each other’s countries.
Now, that’s no longer the case. The UK government’s approach to agreements with EU countries has become more cautious, especially concerning anything that might resemble free movement.
This caution extends even to limited programs like youth mobility schemes.
What are working holiday visas?
Working holiday visas, also known as youth mobility schemes, are popular agreements between countries that allow young people, usually under 30, to live and work abroad for a year or two.
These programs offer a chance to:
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Experience new cultures
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Learn languages
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Gain work experience
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Enjoy extended travel
The UK currently has youth mobility schemes with 13 non-EU countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
However, similar deals with EU nations are noticeably absent.
(Image courtesy of Julia Avamotive via Pexels)
Why did Starmer reject the deal?
Prime Minister Starmer's decision seems rooted in post-Brexit politics.
Many UK media outlets described the proposed scheme as “free movement,” a sensitive topic since the Brexit vote.
Starmer quickly shut down these discussions, likely to avoid alienating Brexit supporters.
However, working holiday visas are different from free movement as they are limited in time and only available to a small group of young people.
Despite this, the UK government appears cautious about anything that might look like closer ties with the EU.
Impact on young people and businesses
The lack of youth mobility schemes between the UK and EU countries affects both young people and businesses:
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Fewer opportunities for cultural exchange
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Limited work experience options for youth
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Challenges for UK businesses in sectors like hospitality and tourism
A French barman in London told Forbes, “There's no way (the British) will get rid of us all. They need us too much.”
However, the flow of young EU workers to the UK has indeed slowed since Brexit.
(Image courtesy of TheDigitalArtist via Pixabay)
What this means for EU visitors and migrants
For short-term visitors to the EU, this news does not change much. However, it does limit options for young people hoping to work and live in the UK for extended periods.
With the upcoming launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), UK citizens will need to apply for travel authorization before visiting the Schengen Area.
While ETIAS is not a visa, it adds an extra step for UK travelers to Europe.
For long-term migrants, the lack of youth mobility schemes means fewer pathways for living and working in the UK.
They may need to explore other visa options, which often have stricter requirements.
Effects on EU immigration policies
The UK’s stance might influence how EU countries approach immigration deals with non-EU nations. Some EU countries might:
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Seek to establish their own bilateral agreements with the UK
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Reconsider their youth mobility schemes with other countries
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Focus on attracting young talent through different visa programs
However, EU countries are likely to maintain a united front in their dealings with the UK, especially regarding immigration and mobility issues.
Looking ahead
The rejection of a youth mobility scheme with Spain shows that Brexit continues to shape UK-EU relations.
As both sides navigate this new landscape, young people’s opportunities for international work and travel hang in the balance.
While current policies limit these exchanges, the future may bring new agreements or creative solutions.
For now, young Brits and Europeans will need to explore alternative ways to experience life across the Channel.