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UK-EU Talks Near Agreement on Reciprocal Youth Visa Scheme

Negotiators progress on capped, one-year visas for 18- to 30-year-olds, but UK ministers remain divided ahead of May summit.

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Overview

  • UK and EU negotiators are finalizing a reciprocal youth mobility visa allowing 18- to 30-year-olds to live and work in each other's territories for up to one year under a capped, 'one in, one out' system.
  • German ambassador Miguel Berger expressed optimism about the talks, stating they are 'moving in a good direction.'
  • The EU has reportedly offered concessions, including limiting visas to 12 months and implementing quotas and sector restrictions for EU citizens.
  • UK government ministers remain publicly divided, with some rejecting the scheme as inconsistent with net migration goals, while others highlight its potential for resetting post-Brexit relations.
  • Over 60 Labour backbenchers and 11 peers have urged the government to adopt the scheme, framing it as a key step in improving UK-EU cooperation.