Amber Rudd considers 'Barista visas' for European migrants
Home Secretary Amber Rudd is looking into proposals for the 'Barista Visa'
The Home Secretary is considering plans for ‘barista visas’ which would allow young Europeans to work in the hospitality industry after Britain leaves the European Union.
Amber Rudd is looking into the plans which would give young people from 27 EU countries the opportunity to work in bars and coffee shops for two years.
The scheme is being promoted by former Foreign Office diplomat Lord Green of Deddington, the chairman of think-tank Migration Watch UK and follows concerns raised by employers that there may be a shortage of workers post-Brexit.
Those in the scheme would only be able to spend two years in the UK, and won’t be able to claim benefits or free housing.
Migration Watch UK deputy chair Alp Mehmet told Mail Online: 'The visa is based on the exiting Youth Mobility Scheme visas granted to young people aged 18-30 from eight countries; Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Monaco.
'It follows on from the scheme we had for young Commonwealth nationals - the idea is to give young people the opportunity to spend substantial time in countries those.
'They can work, earn a bit of money and pay for their stay - but what it doesn't do is give them the opportunity for settlement.
'That is where the traction lies - settlement isn't involved.
'This scheme is potentially a way for providing some of the workers for the hospitality sector - such as Pret, Starbucks - where there is a steady stream of young people going through those jobs, working in the holidays or studying at the same time.
Those in the scheme would only be able to spend two years in the UK, and won’t be able to claim benefits or free housing
'It is a way of meeting the needs of the hospitality industry and providing an opportunity for young people to move around and see the world.
'This is simply our proposal. The Government has to make up its own mind but we hope it considers it in the future.
'Last year there were 22,000 people admitted on to the Youth Mobility Scheme so there is clearly demand for it.
'I believe the Home Office are considering it.'
The scheme is being promoted by former Foreign Office diplomat Lord Green of Deddington, the chairman of think-tank Migration Watch UK
A Home Office spokesperson said: 'Leaving the European Union allows Britain to take control of our immigration system.
'We are working across Government to identify and develop options to shape our future system to ensure the best possible outcome for the British people.
'It is logical to consult on proposals to make sure businesses, services and communities can contribute their views.
'However, as we are currently considering the various options as to how EU migration might work once we have left, it would be wrong to set out further positions at this stage.'