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Youth Mobility Scheme: European Economic Area and Switzerland

Asked by Steve DarlingLiberal DemocratCabinet OfficeTabled Answered 18 May 2026UIN 933

The question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to allow people to do their EU-UK youth mobility exchange in (a) EEA countries and (b) Switzerland.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds

We are negotiating an ambitious youth experience scheme with the EU. This will provide a valuable form of cultural exchange for young Brits to travel, experience other cultures and learn languages, as well as work and study abroad in Member States.

We have agreed that any scheme will be capped, subject to a visa requirement, as well as time-limited. We have been clear that the scheme should be in line with the UK’s existing schemes, such as with Australia and New Zealand, but the exact parameters are subject to ongoing negotiation.

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