E.R.
pw.
Covers. Confiderhal
Соная
WORKING HOLIDAYMAKERS
Reci5 14/8
INB(92)40
Note by B2
HICD
34071
This paper discusses the Working Holidaymaker Scheme and puts forward proposals to
tighten its provisions.
2. The existing working holidaymaker scheme originated when immigration control
for Commonwealth citizens was first introduced in 1962. The provisions in the current
Immigration Rules are for Commonwealth citizens aged 17-27 inclusive to come to the
United Kingdom for up to two years before settling down in their own countries
provided that they take only work which is incidental to their holiday and will not have
recourse to public funds. Thus the work that they do take should either be full-time for
part of the two years or part-time for some of the two years. (Before 1980 young
Commonwealth citizens could spend up to five years here.) An entry clearance is not
required unless the person is a visa national. Spouses and children under 18 are
permitted to stay with the working holidaymaker but are subject to an entry clearance
requirement.
3. In its present form the scheme is anomalous. It is a relic of Commonwealth
preference at a time when our Immigration Rules hardly make any other provision for
more favourable treatment for Commonwealth citizens. Furthermore it is based on no
requirement of reciprocity. Only Australia admits young British citizens as working holidaymakers. 25,000 went to Australia from the UK in 1991. Superficially this compares well with the total of 24,000 Commonwealth citizens admitted to the UK as working holidaymakers in the same year; mostly from Australia (14,200), New Zealand
(7,200) and Canada (1,700). However, in recent years the balance has tipped against us
if switchers are included. In 1991 an estimated 7,000 people switched into that status
after entry into the UK mostly as visitors or students.
4.
The lack of a requirement of reciprocity also makes us less able to press those
countries covered to offer similar opportunities to young Britons. For example moral