New Zealand and the UK Expand Work Holiday Visas

Boris Johnson, the United Kingdom UK Prime Minister, and Jacinda Ardern, his Kiwi counterpart, agreed to expand the Youth Mobility and Working Holiday programs.

The applicant's age limit will be increased from 30 to 35. The maximum stay time in the host country is now three years. Similar deals were made to allow young people to travel and work in Australia. The UK-New Zealand program was once open to 18-29 year-olds. 

Priti Patel, Home Secretary, stated "will give even more young Brits and New Zealanders the opportunity to develop their skills, make life-long connections and contribute to their host country".

Ms Ardern is visiting London to meet with Mr Johnson. She said that New Zealand has long supported improvements in working holiday visas. Before entering politics, the leader of NZ Labour Party lived in London as a senior policy advisor before moving to New Zealand.

She said, "I was one of many Kiwis to enjoy living and working in the UK, and we look forward to offering Brits the same wonderful experience in New Zealand,"

Following the conclusion of the NATO summit in Madrid on Thursday, the prime ministers met at Downing Street. Ms. Ardern stated that the pair would discuss the free-trade agreement signed last year, as well as the response of the government to the war in Ukraine.

Johnson praised New Zealand's "very strong line", and Ms Ardern stated: "We have also given our military aid through our partnership with you." According to the Home Office, more information about the Youth Mobility scheme and the Working Holiday program will be released next year.