Changes to UK visa plan due soon

By WINSTON ALDWORTH

Young New Zealanders anxious to hear about proposed changes to the Working Holiday Visa scheme may have some answers within a month.

While the British Home Office is still considering options for the scheme, a spokeswoman for the New Zealand High Commission in London said delays in making an announcement were no cause for concern.

"It is anticipated that proposed changes to the scheme will be available in the next month or so."

But the Home Office is making no promises.

The Home Office released a consultation document last June saying it planned to expand the scheme. Britain accepts 40,000 young workers from Commonwealth countries every year, including 7000 to 8000 New Zealanders. Many defy the scheme's work restrictions.

Under the changes suggested in the document, British employers could advertise jobs overseas.

The Working Holiday Visa scheme allows New Zealanders 17 to 27 to live in Britain for two years, though they can work for only half that time.

The changes mean people up to 30 would be able to work for two years and return for two-year stints after a stand-down period.

The scheme

* The UK Working Holiday Visa scheme allows New Zealanders 17 to 27 to live in Britain for two years, though they can only work half that time.

* Under proposed changes, people up to 30 will be able to work for two years and return for two-year stints after a stand-down period.