This blog explores the merits for an EU-UK Youth Mobility Scheme recently debated by Parliament and the mobility options already in existence.
On 29 January 2025, MPs debated the potential merits of a Youth Mobility Scheme between the UK and the EU in Westminster Hall, led by Sarah Olney MP. The discussion comes amid growing political and public interest in reintroducing a structured pathway for young people to live, work and study between the UK and Europe.
The UK already operates Youth Mobility agreements with 13 countries, including Australia, Canada and Japan. Described as a “cultural exchange programme,” the scheme allows young people to experience life in another country for up to two or three years (depending on their nationality), with no formal restrictions on employment or study, while the reciprocal offer to British citizens typically takes the form of a working holiday.
Calls for a similar arrangement with the EU have been gaining traction. In January 2025, James MacCleary, a Liberal Democrat MP, introduced a ten-minute rule bill urging the government to negotiate Youth Mobility agreements with individual EU member states. Proponents argue that such a scheme would provide young people with vital opportunities for work and study, while also benefiting British businesses facing labour shortages. The campaign group Best for Britain has highlighted the potential for cultural exchange and a more flexible labour market, while the Migration Advisory Committee has noted that expanding the scheme to neighbouring countries could support industries reliant on a fluid workforce, such as hospitality.
Public support for an EU-UK Youth Mobility Scheme appears strong. A 2024 poll by the thinktank, More in Common, found that 58% of respondents were in favour, with only 10% opposed. The economic benefits are also evident. A 2016 Home Office impact assessment estimated that Youth Mobility visa holders contribute an average of £7,600 annually in direct and indirect taxes—a figure that, after adjusting for inflation, would now be closer to £10,000.
The EU has also expressed interest in formalising such an agreement. In April 2024, the European Commission proposed a scheme allowing 18 to 30-year-olds to stay for up to four years, though the details remain under discussion. This proposal was initially rejected by the UK government, with both the then-Conservative leadership and the Labour opposition equating it with freedom of movement. However, reports at the end of 2024 suggested that the EU was considering reframing the scheme as a cultural enrichment programme, potentially making it more palatable to the UK government.
With migration policy at the forefront of political debate, the UK’s stance on youth mobility will likely depend on how the government balances economic and diplomatic considerations with its commitment to reducing net migration. As MPs continue to explore the issue, the key question remains: can Britain afford to overlook the benefits of a Youth Mobility agreement with the EU?
Should you have any questions on the Youth Mobility Scheme in the UK, please contact us.
Updated: 04.02.2025
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