Damson

I've had a quick search but can't find if this has been posted before - apologies if it has. I'm posting it in relevant parts of the forum. I don't know if it's of interest to anyone and just ignore if it's not.






https://www.change.org/p/parliament-...signer_receipt

Pollyana

It'll never happen, the Aussies will never go for it, they try hard enough to keep us out now, the idea of swanning in just if we feel like it would cause mass panic

spouse of scouse

I think the Brits would feel the same!

Pollyana

Beoz

The arguments on the link are not that compelling. Needs some work but its certainly possible to beef up those arguments.

Amazulu

It'll never happen, the Brits will never go for it, they try hard enough to keep us out now, the idea of swanning in just if we feel like it would cause mass panic

Amazulu

I think it's a good idea - as long as it is not an automatic route to PR

If it's along the lines of the current status of NZ'ers in Australia then party on

Sten2206

My out-laws have been chatting about this and posting links/petitions on FB for a while now...must admit I'm also of the opinion that it will never happen...you just need to look at the anti-immigration rhetoric that is so prevalent in politics...especially back in the UK...British people first and such.

It's a very lovely idea, and I can see why a lot of people would like to see it come to be, but it's just a complete non-starter in my eyes. Would love to see their plans on dealing with the issues surrounding work & housing availability, healthcare, pressure on local services, pensions etc...

Beoz

To make it viable it needs to be even an 2 way movement of people.

Between Canada, Australia, and the UK (maybe NZ in recent years) its probably viable.

If you threw say India in the mix it may not be so viable.

verystormy

Given the money made on visas, that alone would mean it will never happen.

Swerv-o

You'd end up creating two tiers of Commonwealth countries though - those in the exclusive FoM club, and those not.

I can see the benefits, but I suspect it may well cause some resentment as well. India is already asking for greater access to the UK market, but also wants easier visas, which apparently are a non-starter.


S

Pollyana

And those are the real reasons, joking aside, why it would never happen.
It would create a two tier system with all the accompanying resentment and prejudice, and no government would want to lose the huge revenue that comes (certainly in Aus) from the whole visa process.
Its harder and more expensive now than it has ever been to get into Aus as a family member - spouse, parent, whatever - and that goes for family coming from the UK as well as the rest of the world. No way are they going to open the floodgates and allow every British family member to rock up here and settle just cos they feel like it.
Thinking further on too - when all the parents, spouses, siblings etc turn up here claiming PR as their right cos they is from the good old UK, they are entitled to the same support as everyone else.......family assisstance, medicare, and eventually all the increased support as they grow old and cannot work. Cost to Australia? Enormous.

And I'm sure the same would be true in reverse back home, I'm just not as familiar with the cost of visas or revenue raised from them, nor am I convinced that as many Aussies want to head to the UK as is the situation vice versa. Never seen a 'Wanted Up Over' series on tv here However the cost to the NHS alone would be hge in the long run.

Amazulu

Just charge for visas if that is an issue - but make them easy to get

Restrict access to benefits and welfare just as NZ'ers are in Australia

Winner winner Chicken dinner

Beoz

Resentment is the world we live in unfortunately.

But in reality if you open it up to all it will just be one way traffic. Needs to be two way for it to work.

Not a great example given the current state of affairs in Europe but the EU has such rules in place (probably not strong enough) to help ensure the countries are on equal footing and the flow of people is not one way. It doesn't work but that's another story.

In this instance it could work without resentment providing membership is clear and has minimum requirements.

Amazulu

Yes, and in today's fragile, easily offended world, the cry of racism would soon be shouted about