WORKING HOLIDAYMAKERS SCHEME UPDATED
The Working Holidaymaker Scheme will be updated and extended, the Home Office has announced.
A number of changes have been made to the scheme to encourage young people from all Commonwealth countries to participate in the programme. These include:
- raising the upper age limit from 27 to 30;
- removing employment restrictions; and
- after 12 months in the UK, if they meet the necessary criteria, participants will be allowed to "switch" status, letting them take up work permit employment.
Announcing the changes, Home Office Minister, Beverley Hughes, said:
"Since the scheme was introduced, many thousands of young people have taken this opportunity to spend a two year holiday in the UK, while being able to work part-time to help support themselves. We are keen to encourage young people from all parts of the Commonwealth to take part, and enjoy the cultural exchange benefits, just as many young British people benefit from reciprocal schemes in other Commonwealth countries. These changes are designed to update the scheme and make it more accessible.
"The changes to the scheme will also help to provide more of the flexible labour that our economy and businesses need. The UK needs legal migrants who do many vital jobs and contribute to our economy and society. At the same time we are firmly tackling abuse of the immigration and asylum system and cracking down on illegal working.
"We consulted with a range of organisations about how this scheme could be amended and we are very pleased with the feedback we received from the consultation, indicating high levels of support for our proposals.”
Notes to editors:
1. The changes will come into force on 25th August for new applications. Existing working holidaymakers will be able to benefit from the lifting of work restrictions and the switching provisions with immediate effect.
2. Applicants have to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to be able to maintain and accommodate themselves in the UK without recourse to public funds. They are liable to pay tax and National Insurance.
3. The 80 respondants to the consultation exercise included legal and immigration organisations, sport and industry bodies, employers and unions.
4. Approximately 40,000 working holidaymakers enter the UK each year.
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