The Youth Mobility Scheme is a short-term visa aimed at young nationals from a specific list of countries. 

Recent reports suggest an expansion to the scheme, which would open up the opportunity to live and work in the UK to applicants from a wider group of countries, might be in the pipeline.

In 2024, the European Commission put forward a proposal to the European Council, seeking to open negotiations with the UK on agreeing a youth mobility scheme between the UK and the EU. Though many organisations in the UK have expressed support for the broad idea, the Labour government has since indicated that no such plans for a youth mobility scheme with the EU are on the cards.

The proposal was aimed at those aged between 18 and 30, with a view to setting out a four-year “purpose-bound” stay in the destination country. What is meant by “purpose-bound”? Broadly speaking this was meant to cover study, training, work, or indeed simply someone wishing to travel. Interestingly, the proposal indicated at an equal treatment of UK and EU students on tuition fees without a set quota.

Though some have raised issues with the proposal, pushing against an idea that may hint at a return to free movement, the European Commission pushed back, stating:

"The envisaged agreement would provide for limited-in-time mobility, subject to the fulfilment of conditions to be checked before the mobility can take place. The conditions should also be met during the stay. It is not about conferring to young UK nationals the benefits of the fundamental freedom of movement enjoyed by EU citizens.

At the time when the UK was a member state, UK nationals had the right to move and reside freely within the EU. This is not reinstated."

In simple terms, free movement is not on the cards due to the time limit on all scheme users.

The European Commission also argued that “intra-EU” movement would not be possible in the way it was under the old free movement regime. If a UK national was granted a visa under the proposed scheme, they would be tied to the specific member state to which they were admitted. Any such travel outwith the designated country would fall within the 90-day conditions in the Schengen acquis.

How is this different to the current Youth Mobility Scheme?

Well for a start, the European Commission categorically stated that the Immigration Health Surcharge on visa applications should not apply to this scheme. At £1,035 per year, that would have been quite a saving on a four-year visa.

The current Youth Mobility Scheme is restricted to the following countries:

1. Andorra
2. Australia 
3. Canada
4. Hong Kong
5. Iceland 
6. India
7. Japan
8. Monaco
9. New Zealand
10. Republic of Korea
11. San Marino
12. Taiwan
13. Uruguay

There are a few discrepancies worth considering here. Most nationals must submit an application for entry clearance, meaning they must be outwith the UK to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme. They must also be aged 30 or under at the date of application. These rules do not apply to Australia, Canada, or New Zealand. Nationals of these countries may apply for the visa in country and can be aged up to 35.

Whilst the proposed scheme would provide a four-year visa, the current scheme allows a maximum stay of up to two years, though nationals of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand may extend for a third year. Further, an applicant must have proof of £2,530 in savings, among other suitability requirements.

Conclusion

The position of the UK government on 27 December 2024 was stated in no uncertain terms:

"Regarding a youth mobility arrangement with the EU, the EU has not approached the UK with a formal proposal. The government routinely discusses a range of issues with European counterparts, but we are clear that there will be no return to free movement, and that we must reduce the UK’s levels of net migration after the record highs reached under the last government."

However, the Financial Times reported on internal EU briefing documents which outlined the EU view that the potential youth mobility scheme would be an “indispensable element” of any new agreements with the UK.

This comes at a time when the UK is seeking closer ties with the EU, which may take on increased salience due to the current volatility in transatlantic relations.

Whilst the Labour government has stated that it has no intention to implement this scheme, it may be that this is not the final word on the matter. 

Interested in how youth mobility might impact your future travel or work plans in Europe? Get in touch with our immigration team to stay informed about any changes and how they might affect you.

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