UK Parliamentary Group For CANZUK To Launch Enquiry Into Skills Recognition

On May 18th, the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group for CANZUK, hosted by Peterborough MP Paul Bristow, met with CANZUK International and UK Members of Parliament.

The meeting for policy dialogue primarily focused on the introduction of mutual skills recognition between the four nations.

On May 12th, the Professional Qualifications Bill was introduced to the UK parliament which will ensure that professionals from around the world will have their qualifications recognized in the United Kingdom.

As the UK is also negotiating increased visa access as part of the nation’s upcoming trade deal with Australia, a mutual skills recognition agreement can compliment the trade deal and Professional Qualifications Bill, prioritizing credentials from those in Canada, Australia and New Zealand so they may live and work in the UK.

It is envisioned that a mutual skills recognition agreement between the four CANZUK countries will emulate the Closer Economic Relations (CER) trade agreement between Australia and New Zealand, allowing citizens in certain professions to have their skills and credentials recognized in either country, without the need to retrain or recertify.

Ultimately, this saves time and cost for citizens, compliments free movement between Australia and New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement, and promotes business and economic growth.

CANZUK International will meet again with the APPG for CANZUK in the coming weeks to further develop policies regarding mutual skills recognition between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.