Although the ever popular working holiday to the UK could be a thing of the past for the youth of South Africa, the announcement of the newly proposed Youth Mobility Scheme coming into affect on November 27 may still include South Africa.
In the biggest shake up of policy in over 40 years, the UK has adopted Australia's highly successful points-based system for migration. Included in this new 5-tier immigration system is the abolishment of several visa types over the next six months. Both the Working Holiday and Au-Pair visas will be terminated from November 2008.
Approximately 17 000 South Africans enter the UK each year under the Working Holiday visa alone. According to expert financial services and migration group, 1st Contact there may still be a possibility that South Africa will be included in the UK's Youth Mobility Scheme.
Other options for employment-type visas to the UK are available. The Tier 1 visa is an option available for skilled, qualified migrants, while the Ancestry visa can be used for those with a grandparent born in the UK. Lastly, Partner/Spousal visas are an option if you are the partner or spouse of a UK or EU citizen.
The introduction of the Youth Mobility Scheme may not be all doom and gloom for South Africa, as we wait with baited breath to find out if our country will be included in this new policy.
- For more information, please contact 1st Contact on (021) 657 1535