NZers' right to work in UK 'safe'

British Prime Minister Tony Blair says young New Zealanders' right to working holidays in his country have been safeguarded.

Speaking at a press conference following a meeting with Prime Minister Helen Clark this morning, Mr Blair said New Zealanders were "very welcome" in Britain.

Asked if that meant the right to have a working holiday of up to two years would remain, Mr Blair replied; "I think I can say that has been safeguarded."

New Zealanders have long enjoyed easy access to Britain, both through the working holiday and ancestral visas.

British officials have been signalling a tightening of the law for some time with talk around the need for New Zealanders to have a job offer or sponsorship before they arrive in Britain.

The joint statement following today's bilateral meeting in Auckland was more positive.

"It was acknowledged that the changes to United Kingdom immigration rules would not have a detrimental effect on New Zealanders wishing to travel to the UK," the statement said

- NZPA