Green Light for EU-UK Youth Visa Program: New Opportunities for Young People Post-Brexit

A significant breakthrough has occurred in resuming mobility opportunities between the European Union and the United Kingdom: EU member states have approved the start of negotiations for a new youth visa program. This marks the first substantial step since Brexit that many believe could be a major advancement for young people in both Britain and the EU.

The European Council has officially agreed to commence detailed discussions on establishing a visa program for young individuals aged 18 to 30. The proposed system aims to allow them to stay for work or study purposes on the other side, for durations ranging from a few months up to two years, on a reciprocal basis. This means British youth could travel to the EU, and vice versa.

It’s crucial to emphasise, however, that this does not signify a return to the free movement previously enjoyed during EU membership. The program will be tied to strict conditions, such as not being able to bring family members, no eligibility for British state benefits, and a mandatory health surcharge (NHS surcharge) will be required.

The UK already operates similar youth mobility agreements with countries like Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Iceland, Uruguay, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. These agreements typically target young people aged 18-30 or 18-35, who can work and stay in the UK for a maximum of two years.

Experts and advocates, such as Alfred Quantrill representing the Young European Movement, view the decision as a huge step forward. “A whole generation’s opportunities have been curtailed over the past decade, and now doors can finally reopen for them,” said Quantrill, adding that the program could make not only job opportunities but also study tours, internships, and cultural experiences more accessible for Britons.

While surrounded by political debate, the program enjoys clear public support, especially in the UK, where a recent YouGov poll indicated that a majority of the population would now rejoin the European Union – a phenomenon known in the British media as “Bregret” (Brexit + regret).

The next step involves the commencement of negotiations between the EU and the UK on the details of the system, such as the number of visas, specific conditions, duration, and eligibility. If an agreement is reached, this will be the first EU-UK mobility agreement since Brexit, potentially opening up new opportunities and perspectives for many young people.

#ContinentSurfer #EUVisa #YouthVisa #Brexit #Mobility #UnitedKingdom #EU #YoungPeople #WorkOpportunities #StudyAbroad #Travel #NewOpportunities #Bregret

Want to know more?