UK Parliament Introduces Bill For Australia & New Zealand Trade & Mobility

The UK signed the Australia Agreement in December and the New Zealand Agreement in February. The UK-Australia Agreement is expected to increase trade by 53 percent, boost the economy by £2.3 billion and increase wages each year in the long-run. The UK-New Zealand Agreement is expected to increase trade by almost 60 percent and boost the economy by £800 million.

As part of the agreements, professionals including architects, scientists, researchers, lawyers and accountants will have access to visas to work without being subject to each nations changing skilled occupation list. Citizens aged 18 to 35 will also be able to travel and work in each country for up to three years.

The scope of travel and visa eligibility will also continue to be expanded over time as the UK, Australian and New Zealand governments further engage with CANZUK International. The objective remains to expand both age limits and time-limits for working and residential visas until full freedom of movement is implemented.

More information about the Bill introduced by the UK government can be found here.

CANZUK International welcomes the announcement from the UK government and will continue to work with officials from the UK, Australia and New Zealand to develop freer movement for citizens as part of future discussions.