Shared visa schemes between New Zealand and the UK are being implemented sooner than predicted.

The schemes permit New Zealanders aged between 18 and 30 to work in the UK for a year and reside there for two years, with the same for UK citizens in New Zealand – with a 23-month stay. The programs had been due to expand within the NZ-UK Free Trade Agreement negotiated in 2022.

They were originally planned to increase eligibility to the age of 35 and living and working rights increasing to three years for both New Zealand and the UK by the end of 2024. However, Chris Hipkins announced on Friday that this has advanced to the middle of this year.

The UK’s scheme has been brought forward to 29th June 2023, whilst New Zealand’s will come into effect from 1st July. Individuals who currently hold a visa may be able to apply for an extension from the aforementioned dates.

The New Zealand PM said the change highlighted the extent of the relationship between the two countries, RNZ reports.

“It is great to provide young people in both our countries with more opportunities to work and live alongside one another,” Hipkins said.

In addition, the plans would help resolve labour shortage issues, the PM added, with around 4,200 visa holders permitted to prolong their stay for another year.

“Securing an implementation date for this new scheme sooner than expected means those who are already in the country will now be eligible to remain here longer, adding to the pool of labour available to businesses,” he stated.

In addition, New Zealand is increasing the annual cap on visas granted – up to 15,000 a year.

Iona Thomas, British High Commissioner to New Zealand, said of the schemes: “Both the UK and New Zealand stand to benefit culturally, socially and economically by having more of our young people travel and work in each other’s countries. There are many examples of young British people and New Zealanders using the experience they gained overseas to further their careers or create businesses once they get back home.”