James Skinner
James is the Founder & Chief Executive of
CANZUK International in Vancouver, Canada
CANZUK International has submitted a trade enhancement proposal to the UK government, requesting policy advancements regarding free movement as part of the Trade (Australia & New Zealand) Bill.
At present, the Trade (Australia & New Zealand) Bill is progressing through the House of Lords and will enact legislation that allows the United Kingdom to ratify and implement free trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand – ultimately acting as a stepping stone towards future CANZUK-orientated trade and mobility arrangements.
Importantly for the CANZUK campaign, the agreements will make it easier for British citizens to live, travel, and work in Australia and New Zealand. This includes provisions for extending the age-limit of working visas from 30 to 35, and removing the requirement to undertake “regional work” (commonly participated as three months of farm or rural work) to qualify for visa extensions in Australia.
Importantly for the CANZUK campaign, the agreements will make it easier for British citizens to live, travel, and work in Australia and New Zealand. This includes provisions for extending the age-limit of working visas from 30 to 35, and removing the requirement to undertake “regional work” (commonly participated as three months of farm or rural work) to qualify for visa extensions in Australia.
Although a positive step in the right direction, CANZUK International has engaged with UK government officials and staff, and made it clear that the Bill should progress further – not only to advance labour and mobility for citizens between Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, but also act as the foundation for a future trade agreement between the UK and Canada.
This follows research conducted by CANZUK International indicating that 82% of Canadians agree that visas and work permits should become part of the ongoing trade agreement negotiations between the two nations, with the intention of increasing reciprocal visa access for UK and Canadian citizens.
The full proposal letter, addressed to the UK’s Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade, Kemi Badenoch MP, can be viewed below:
This follows research conducted by CANZUK International indicating that 82% of Canadians agree that visas and work permits should become part of the ongoing trade agreement negotiations between the two nations, with the intention of increasing reciprocal visa access for UK and Canadian citizens.
The full proposal letter, addressed to the UK’s Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade, Kemi Badenoch MP, can be viewed below:
Supporters of the above proposal are also encouraged to email the office of Kemi Badenoch MP at kemi.badenoch.mp@parliament.uk.
CANZUK International will continue to engage with UK government staff and Ministers, and lobby for the continued advancement of free movement and trade with Canada, Australia and New Zealand as the British government finalizes and negotiates trade agreements with these nations.
Heading photo: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor/PA
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