Could we see freer movement between four commonwealth nations?

For those that don’t know what CANZUK International is, you’re about to find out. Since the Brexit vote had even taken place, there were talks of a movement for free trade, relaxed immigration rules and cooperation between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. CANZUK International has been campaigning for this international venture since 2015 and has been closely monitoring negotiations between the four states.

You can view the CANZUK International campaign in the link.

So, what progress has been made so far? Trade negotiations are currently in a mature stage between some of the nations, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison set to announce a deal at the G7 summit this week. New Zealand is to begin the fifth round of free trade negotiations in the coming weeks.

Where there’s trade, follows the opportunity of relaxed immigration rules. The trade agreement between the UK and Australia have led to final negotiations for increased visa access between the two countries. Some Canadian MP’s have already endorsed the notion of free movement and trade between the four nations. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, MP for South Surrey-White Rock says: “Freer movement and labour mobility are part of several pillars of the visionary CANZUK initiative, a deeper geopolitical alliance between Canada and three of our most like-minded allies, Australia, New Zealand and the U.K.; a partnership that could include foreign policy coordination, pooled procurement, closer defence and security ties and expanded trade, fostering a new era of opportunity and prosperity for Canadians.” The UK signed a trade agreement with Canada in December last year in the principle of improving relations and trade between the two countries in 2021. Immigration policies are yet to be decided.

Currently, the standard visa requirements for non-UK nationals require Canadian, Australian and New Zealander migrants to meet points-based criteria, unless you can apply to certain ancestry or Commonwealth routes, but many of the working-age population can no longer apply. Alternatively, they can enter the UK under a Youth Mobility Visa, however only allows them to remain for 2 years and they must be aged 18 to 30.

Current negotiations between the UK and Australia will focus on the recognition of professional qualifications that enable easier movement. The negotiations are hoped to involve the fast-tracking of professional applications for lawyers, accountants, and architects and improve the terms for the Youth Mobility visa.

The idea of freedom of movement between the four nations is widely supported. Especially amongst MPs within the UK Government. Findings from polling, conducted by UK Research organization Savanta ComRes, surveyed Members of Parliament in the UK Government that revealed strong support from both Conservative and Labour MPs in the introduction of free movement and free trade. More specifically, 94% of MPs support the free movement of goods and 61% support the free movement of people under a CANZUK agreement.

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