The UK government is in early talks to create a Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) for European Union citizens, potentially allowing thousands of young EU nationals to live and work in the UK for up to three years.
The idea, led by EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, is modeled on existing UK schemes with countries like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, India, and South Korea.
These programs typically offer two-year visas with a possible one-year extension for applicants aged 18 to 30, with a cap on the total number of visas issued annually.
But this new proposal for EU citizens is stirring political debate, and raising questions about how many could be allowed in, and whether the plan resembles a return to free movement.
Thomas-Symonds wants a youth mobility scheme that lasts longer than 12 months, unlike the stricter version preferred by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
He rejected claims that this would bring back free movement, noting similar deals already exist with countries like Andorra and Uruguay.
The EU supports the plan but is pushing for higher visa caps, arguing the EU’s population is far larger than Australia’s, which currently has a 45,000-visa cap.
An unnamed Brussels official was quoted as saying: “Are Australians better than Europeans? If the same model applies, then the numbers would have to be much higher or it would be hurtful.”
That statement reflects broader EU sentiment that the scheme must be reciprocal, fair, and generous in scale. While the UK is open to negotiations, Downing Street has drawn clear red lines:
For travellers and young professionals unfamiliar with it, the UK Youth Mobility Scheme is a visa route for young people aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some countries) to live and work in the UK for up to two years, with some recent agreements extending that to three.
Key Features of the Youth Mobility Scheme
Current partner countries include:
| Country | Age Limit | Stay Duration | Annual Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 18–35 | 3 years | 45,000 |
| New Zealand | 18–35 | 3 years | 13,000 |
| Japan | 18–30 | 2 years | 1,500 |
| India (via ballot) | 18–30 | 2 years | 3,000 |
| South Korea | 18–30 | 2 years | 1,000 |
| EU (proposed) | 18–30/35 | Up to 3 years | TBC |
This visa is ideal for those who want to experience the UK through work and travel without committing to long-term migration. It does not lead to permanent residency but is seen as a cultural and economic exchange program.
Negotiations between the UK and the EU are ongoing. A final decision will likely depend on visa caps, access to public services, and reciprocity for young Brits heading to Europe.
If approved, this could become one of the most significant post-Brexit policy changes affecting UK-EU youth mobility, opening new doors for travel, work, and cultural exchange.
The proposed UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme could reshape how young Europeans explore work and life in Britain and vice versa. While political hurdles remain, both sides seem open to creating a pathway that balances mobility with control, and opportunity with structure.
For now, it’s one to watch, especially if you’re 18 to 30 and planning your next international move.
