Move fast on visas, Kiwis told

By BRONWYN SELL AND NZPA

Young New Zealanders intending to take working holidays in Britain have been advised to get their entry permits as soon as possible.

The British Government said last week that it would review the working holiday visa, including expanding the scheme beyond "white Commonwealth" countries to include the rest of the Commonwealth and the European Union.

Home Office Minister Angela Eagle said that would mean restricting numbers.

Further details would be announced within three months, she said.

British adventure tourism company Kumuka Expeditions said yesterday that the changes were expected to come in during the northern spring.

Its Sydney-based managing director for New Zealand and Australia, Richard Gardner, said the maximum length of the visa, which is available to people aged 17 to 27, was likely to be cut from two years to one.

"It's not been confirmed by the British Government yet, but there is a strong movement in that direction and a lot of sources are reporting that," he said.

"It's looking very, very possible, so our advice is to get hold of your visa now before the spring cut-off date."

Mr Gardner also advised New Zealanders planning to travel around the Continent before finding work in Britain to fly directly to the European mainland.

If they flew into London and headed across the Channel, their visa would start "ticking down" while they were touring, thus reducing the time they could work in Britain.

New Zealanders, Australians, South Africans and Canadians make up the majority of applicants for the visa, which allows them to seek casual jobs to finance their stay.

Britain has said it will also review the present restrictions on age.

It plans to release a consultation document on working holiday visas in a few months.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said Britain was not a fortress.

"We are an open trading economy and we need to ensure that we can recruit the people we need to compete and prosper in the new global economy."

New Zealand High Commissioner Paul East said he was confident the two-year working holiday visa would remain for New Zealanders.

"It's important to remember that the British are only looking at the changes they might make, so nothing is definite.

"It's all in the context of a wider review of immigration."

New Zealand enjoyed a special bond with its former colonial master, said Mr East.

"We're the only country that has stood alongside them everywhere from the Boer War to the current crisis in Afghanistan."

The Home Office said it would also try to expand the Agricultural Workers' Scheme, which allows seasonal workers into Britain, and consider short-term schemes for other casual labourers.

About 8000 New Zealanders get working holiday visas each year.

While any tightening of the conditions would be a blow to backpackers, Britain last month relaxed its work permit regulations for skilled workers