Labour Opens Path for Tens of Thousands of EU Workers and Students

Labour may allow tens of thousands of young EU workers and students to stay in the UK for up to three years as part of Sir Keir Starmer’s post-Brexit reset, reports suggest.

A youth mobility scheme has been a key demand from EU member states as the Prime Minister seeks closer ties with the bloc. While Sir Keir has ruled out reintroducing free movement, UK negotiators are reportedly considering an "Australian-style" system.

According to The Times, this plan would permit a limited number of young EU nationals to live and work in the UK for two years, with the option of a one-year extension. The number of arrivals would be capped annually, and participants would have to pay an NHS surcharge while being ineligible for benefits.

Under a reciprocal agreement, British citizens aged 18-30 would gain similar rights to live and work in EU nations. The proposal mirrors existing UK agreements with countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Uruguay.

EU leaders are expected to visit the UK for a summit on May 19, where they may outline the details of this reset. However, Brussels is likely to resist an annual cap on numbers—suggested to be around 70,000—as well as the NHS surcharge.

An EU official criticized the plan, stating: "It is offensive that Europeans are viewed as a negative—as an influx of cheap foreign labor rather than a way to foster cultural exchange and understanding."

Currently, under the UK’s youth mobility scheme with other nations, applicants must have at least £2,530 in savings, pay a £298 application fee, and contribute £776 per year for NHS access. Germany, Poland, and Romania have expressed concerns over these healthcare charges.

Earlier this month, Sir Keir visited Brussels to discuss strengthening the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU, particularly in defense and security. He also aims to secure a new veterinary agreement, mutual recognition of professional qualifications, and greater opportunities for British artists to perform across Europe.

However, the UK is under pressure to make concessions on post-Brexit fishing rights and youth mobility in exchange for these agreements. Some Brexiteers have accused Sir Keir of “selling out” to Brussels by allegedly accepting EU-aligned food safety standards and climate regulations under European Court of Justice jurisdiction.

Lord Frost, the UK’s former Brexit negotiator, criticized the move, stating: "We knew this was coming, but now it’s confirmed—Britain is returning to EU-aligned food standards and climate rules while accepting ECJ oversight. Shame on Keir Starmer and Nick Thomas-Symonds for surrendering UK self-governance to a foreign court."

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat MP James MacCleary welcomed the proposed youth mobility scheme, calling it "a victory for young people and common sense."

"The Labour Government has resisted extending a scheme we already have with Australia and Japan to our European allies for months. We will closely examine the details to ensure the best outcome for young people in the UK," he added.

A Government spokesperson, however, denied any concrete plans for a youth mobility agreement, saying: "We are committed to resetting relations with the EU to benefit the British people’s security, safety, and prosperity. While we will consider sensible proposals, there will be no return to free movement, the customs union, or the single market."