UK and EU Agree to Develop Youth Mobility Scheme

At a Glance

• If implemented, the UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme could provide employers — particularly in sectors such as hospitality, agriculture and the arts — with access to a new pool of young and mobile workers without the complexity of sponsorship.
• Nonetheless, businesses are advised to approach the proposed scheme with caution until more concrete details are available. It remains uncertain how the application process will be administered, what compliance obligations may apply, and whether future caps or quotas will affect workforce planning.
• The proposed scheme signals a marked softening in cross-border mobility policy and could offer important social and economic opportunities. However, implementation will depend on the outcome of ongoing negotiations and political consensus within the United Kingdom.

On 19 May 2025, the UK government confirmed that it is working with the European Union to develop a new Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS), a bilateral initiative to facilitate reciprocal access for young people to live, work and travel across borders for a limited period. This marks a potentially significant shift in the post-Brexit immigration framework and comes amid broader negotiations to strengthen UK-EU cooperation in areas including education, trade and security. 

We summarise the key aspects of the proposed Youth Mobility Scheme and its implications below. 

Key Features of the Proposed Scheme

Eligibility and Duration

The scheme is expected to target individuals aged between 18 and 30, with reciprocal arrangements allowing participants to live and work in the host country for up to two years. The EU is reportedly seeking a longer duration of up to four years, while the UK prefers a shorter period. 

Annual Caps and Reciprocity

Unlike the pre-Brexit era of free movement, participation in the scheme will be capped. Reports suggest the UK is proposing a maximum of 70,000 to 80,000 EU nationals annually, mirroring the number of UK participants expected to access the EU. 

Visa Structure and Conditions

The YMS would operate as a separate visa route, outside of the points-based immigration system, and would not lead to settlement. No employer sponsorship would be required, reducing administrative burdens on businesses seeking temporary labour. 

Political Context and Considerations 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasised that the proposed scheme does not equate to a return to freedom of movement, a key issue during the Brexit referendum. He stated that the scheme would be time-limited, reciprocal and capped, aligning with the UK’s current immigration policies. 

Despite this, the proposal has faced criticism from some quarters. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch described the scheme as “free movement through the back door”, expressing concerns about potential increases in migration. 

The debate also touches on economic priorities. While proponents highlight the benefits to cultural exchange and flexible labour supply, critics argue that the scheme disproportionately benefits the middle-class youth and may increase competition for entry-level jobs.

Implications for Employers and Institutions

If implemented, the YMS could provide employers — particularly in sectors such as hospitality, agriculture and the arts — with access to a new pool of young and mobile workers without the complexity of sponsorship. Educational and cultural organisations may also benefit from enhanced exchange opportunities, especially if the UK rejoins the Erasmus+ programme, as currently under consideration.

Nonetheless, businesses are advised to approach the proposed scheme with caution until more concrete details are available. It remains uncertain how the application process will be administered, what compliance obligations may apply, and whether future caps or quotas will affect workforce planning. 

The Youth Mobility visa category is open to nationals of various countries aged 18 to 30, or 18 to 35, depending on their country of nationality. Most applicants are permitted to live and work in the UK for up to two years; however, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand nationals are allowed to stay for up to three years.

The Youth Mobility visa category operates on a quota system, allocated by nationality: 

• Australia — 35,000 places
• New Zealand — 13,000 places
• Canada — 8,000 places
• Japan — 6,000 places
• Republic of Korea — 5,000 places
• India — 3,000 places
• Iceland — 1,000 places
• Monaco — 1,000 places
• Taiwan — 1,000 places
• Hong Kong — 1,000 places
• San Marino — 1,000 places
• Uruguay — 500 places
• Andorra — 100 places 

Nationals of India, Hong Kong and Taiwan must apply through a ballot system, which opens once or twice per year.

Successful applicants are granted the right to study, undertake most types of employment and be self-employed, with certain conditions allowing them to set up a company.

The UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme is likely to follow a similar structure.

Conclusion

The proposed UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme signals a marked softening in cross-border mobility policy and could offer important social and economic opportunities. However, implementation will depend on the outcome of ongoing negotiations and political consensus within the UK. 

We anticipate further announcements in the coming months and will provide updates as the framework evolves.