The arrangement to get more Kiwi to travel to the UK to work is what Kiwi expatriates call “great news” and could “revolutionize” Working Holiday.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday an extension of the youth mobility scheme that will allow kiwis between the ages of 18 and 30 to live and work in the UK for two years.
By 2024, the age limit for those covered by this system will be raised from 30 to 35 and the visa length will be extended to 3 years.
Clint Heine, founder of Kiwis, a Facebook group in London, said the extension was “great” and had been expecting it since Australia announced its own deal with the UK in December.
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“This could revolutionize Working Holiday. Two years was never long enough,” Heine said.
“Three years will really put some roots in people and give them more time to understand if they want to stay longer in the UK.”
Heine said in his experience that many kiwis on working holiday visas were not ready to leave after two years, so the third year would give them more time and opportunity.
Raising the age to 35 meant opening the door to more kiwis, and he expected an influx of kiwis in response to the announcement.
Clint Heine, who created Kiwis on London’s Facebook page, said the deal was “good news.”
“When I first moved here, there were a lot of kiwis around, but it’s definitely gone in recent years. I think the Covid-19 scared a few people.”
For anyone thinking of a working holiday to the UK, Heine’s advice was to “come”.
“Fill your pub with thirsty New Zealanders. We look forward to seeing and hearing more kiwis here.
“Travel is booming and this summer is hot and there is a life outside New Zealand.”
In a joint statement, Ardern and Johnson said the new plan would be implemented by at least 2024, but it could change sooner.
GLENN MCCONNELL / Staff
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will meet with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at 10 Downing Street in London, England.
The annual quota for kiwis going to the UK is 13,000, and 15,000 British citizens can apply for one of the visas for New Zealand.
The announcement was made when Ardern visited 10 Downing Street and met with Johnson following the NATO summit in Madrid, Spain.
The Prime Minister has also signed a new agreement to set a framework for further cooperation in research, science and innovation activities.
“The United Kingdom is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s oldest and closest friends and partners. Meeting very quickly after New Zealand reopens its borders is our relationship with the United Kingdom as we reconnect with the world. It reflects our focus on
“We are pleased to have completed the upgrade to the Working Holiday / Youth Mobility scheme, which will allow more UK and New Zealand citizens to travel and work longer in each other’s countries. The change reflects the depth of relations between New Zealand and the United Kingdom. “