Extra costs for Kiwi OE hinge on technicality

By STUART DYE

The introduction of charges to New Zealanders going on working holidays in Britain hangs on a legislative technicality.

The Herald reported yesterday that young people on their OE would be included in proposals by the British Home Office to impose surcharges on non-asylum-seeking immigration applications.

Responding to the report, the Government said it had advice from the Home Office that young New Zealanders would not be affected.

But the Home Office told the Herald again yesterday that Kiwi travellers could be caught up in new legislation.

The issue hangs on whether the legislation will apply to New Zealanders getting their visas at home.

A Home Office spokeswoman said it could affect the British Working Holidaymaker Scheme.

But a spokesman from Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff's office argued it would not.

"The Working Holidaymaker Scheme for Commonwealth citizens is dealt with by entry clearance officials abroad and, consequently, would not fall within the scope of the proposals."

In a day of confusion and conflicting reports, the one thing everyone agreed on was that a rumoured charge of £500 ($1300) was too high.

Bryan Nicholson, from the British High Commission in Wellington, said various charges could be introduced for different work permits and visas.

"These are likely to range between £20 ($53) and £500 ($1300) and for a shorter visa time period the charges would be at the lower end of the scale."

He initially said he was under the impression that the working holiday scheme would be affected. But two hours later, and following talks with Mr Goff's office, he said he believed the Government was right.

No final decision has been taken but it is likely any additional charges would be introduced during 2005.

The Home Office spokeswoman said: "This is at the discussion stage, but we feel it is right that people who enjoy the benefits of working here should pay a fair price."

Britain this year extended its working holiday scheme for Commonwealth citizens, lifting the age limit from 28 to 30 and allowing people to legally work in their chosen profession. In the meantime, the uncertainty could disrupt thousands of New Zealanders' plans, say travel agents.

The cost to a Kiwi of wanting to live and work in Britain was already high, said Melanie Fletcher, manager of traveller services company 1st Contact.

Current requirements included having enough funds to support themselves during their holiday, about $2000 for flights and around $250 for travel insurance. A working holiday visa was a further $110 and a work permit $210.