James Skinner
James is the Founder & Chief Executive of
CANZUK International in Vancouver, Canada
Speaking at a New Zealand-UK trade deal engagement session, Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Damien O’Connor, confirmed that talks are underway with the United Kingdom to increase reciprocal visa access for New Zealand and British citizens.
CANZUK International representatives were in attendance for the engagement meeting, where Minister O’Connor and leading diplomats for the United Kingdom and New Zealand were present.
During the Question and Answer segment of the meeting, CANZUK International asked the Minister whether visa arrangements between New Zealand and the United Kingdom would continue to be negotiated and emulate those of the Australia-UK trade deal, whereby eligibility, age limits and visa longevities have all been advanced.
During the Question and Answer segment of the meeting, CANZUK International asked the Minister whether visa arrangements between New Zealand and the United Kingdom would continue to be negotiated and emulate those of the Australia-UK trade deal, whereby eligibility, age limits and visa longevities have all been advanced.
The question posed by CANZUK International was: “The UK-Australia trade agreement included provisions for greater visa access for Australians and Britons to live and work in each others’ countries. Can New Zealand also confirm that greater visa access for New Zealand and British citizens will be discussed in due course following the ratification of this agreement?”
Minister O’Connor responded enthusiastically, stating:
“I can assure you it is being discussed…I can assure you that we are optimistic and we would like to think that we can get similar to Australia. We hope there is an outcome from these discussions in the near future.”
The engagement meeting and question regarding visas can be watched via the video above.
At present, the newly negotiated New Zealand-UK trade deal allows working professionals in certain vocations (such as lawyers and auditors) to work in the UK and New Zealand more easily and bring their families with them.
However, as discussions between the two governments continue – with input provided by CANZUK International – it is likely that the scope of visa eligibility and freer movement will continue to advance and set the ideal foundation upon which further CANZUK policies can develop.
CANZUK International welcomes Minister O’Connor’s comments and will continue to work with officials from both governments to develop freer movement for citizens as part of future discussions.
Photo: Getty Images
Minister O’Connor responded enthusiastically, stating:
“I can assure you it is being discussed…I can assure you that we are optimistic and we would like to think that we can get similar to Australia. We hope there is an outcome from these discussions in the near future.”
The engagement meeting and question regarding visas can be watched via the video above.
At present, the newly negotiated New Zealand-UK trade deal allows working professionals in certain vocations (such as lawyers and auditors) to work in the UK and New Zealand more easily and bring their families with them.
However, as discussions between the two governments continue – with input provided by CANZUK International – it is likely that the scope of visa eligibility and freer movement will continue to advance and set the ideal foundation upon which further CANZUK policies can develop.
CANZUK International welcomes Minister O’Connor’s comments and will continue to work with officials from both governments to develop freer movement for citizens as part of future discussions.
Photo: Getty Images
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