The UK–EU Youth Experience Scheme

Since Brexit, young people in the UK who wish to live, study and work in Europe, and vice versa, have faced greater barriers, following the end of freedom of movement. Visa requirements, particularly against a backdrop of growing anti-immigration rhetoric in both the UK and on the continent, have made short-term international opportunities more complex and, in many cases, inaccessible.

Recent discussions between the United Kingdom and the European Union have led to the emergence of a proposed UK–EU Youth Experience Scheme (“the YES”). The prospects of this happening had previously seemed slim, with the British Government initially appearing opposed to an EU-wide scheme, back when we covered this in May 2024 – you can read more about this here. The Government’s position seems to have softened since, however.

It is expected that the YES will take inspiration from the existing Youth Mobility Scheme, which allows young people from certain countries to live and work in the UK for two or three years. As it stands, it appears likely that the YES would grant a four-year period of stay, for persons aged between 18 and 30.

There remain some stumbling blocks, however, including whether there will be numerical caps put on YES visa holders and what level of tuition fees would be payable by EU citizens studying in the UK. While these points remain subject to negotiation, the YES represents a potential shift towards restoring limited mobility rights for young people on both sides.

For UK businesses, the YES could make it easier to hire young workers from Europe, without the need for sponsorship. That may help to ease some of the labour supply pressures that employers have faced due to rising salary thresholds on the Skilled Worker route.

We will keep you updated on the progress of YES negotiations. If you have any questions about the current recruitment options for your business, please get in touch at [email protected]