Going on an’ au pair experience in London is a choice many students make. But what changes now? What are the consequences of Brexit for Italians who would like to have a work experience abroad? Many uncertainties remain. First of all, then, let’s try to understand exactly what Brexit is.
What is Brexit?
The term Brexit (which comes from the contraction of “Britain” and “exit“) refers to the United Kingdom’s exit from theEuropean Union, as decided by the national referendum on June 23, 2016. It is not an immediate exit: the actual exit will take place on March 29, 2019, but just in the last few days, British Prime Minister Theresa May announced that after this date there will bea 2-year transition period. So, the UK will leave the EU, for all intents and purposes, in 2021, five years after the referendum that established this decision.
In the meantime, however, what changes? What happens to Italians who intend to go to the UK for a workexperience? What are the effects of Brexit on students who intend to spend a few months as an au pair in London or other locations in the UK (which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)?
What are the effects of Brexit on Italians?
There are almost 300,000 Italians currently living in the UK. A number that saw strong growth in the second half of 2016, after the referendum to “leave” or “remain“. Many Italians who had been living in Great Britain for some time have, in fact, decided to regularize their situation for fear of losing their rights. A legitimate fear given the uncertain situation. Even though the Prime Minister in a recent speech reassured our fellow citizens: “We want Italians in our country to have the same rights they have now. Our legal system will guarantee them these rights in the future as well“.
Au pair in London: still a possible dream?
But what changes, instead, for those who don’t live or work in the UK yet but are about to do so? For example, for the many students who dream of having an experience as an au pair in London to learn English and earn some money?
For 2018, there shouldn’t be any changes. Starting from 2019, the keyword is, instead, “registration“. From March 2019, in fact, with the end of free movement for EU citizens in the UK, everyone who wants to go to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to work or live will have to undergo a registration procedure, presenting certain documents. It is not clear whether at the end of this registration procedure it will be possible to stay in the UK by obtaining a visa or a residence permit or, even, a work permit. But this new procedure could also be valid for what the British Government defines as household jobs , lasting a few months, such as those carried out, precisely, by most au pairs.
Right now, for students preparing for an au pair experience in the UK, in addition to having certain characteristics, it is enough to present an ID card valid for travel abroad. Other required documents are:
- High school diploma
- Criminal record certificate to be requested from the Court
- Certificate of good mental and physical health
- Medical report
- Photographs
- References
- Cover letter for the host family
- Au pair application form
It is not certain, however, that in the future these documents will be enough to enter the UK.
Au pair in the UK: the first post-Brexit summer
In the meantime, in recent months, Brexit celebrated its first birthday. What has changed for au pair workers in the UK? According to Rebecca Haworth-Wood, chair of the British Au Pair Agencies Association (BAPAA), the “number of Europeans willing to work as au pairs in UK homes has decreased by almost 50% compared to 2015 “.
Every year, there are about 40,000 families in the UK for whom au pair workers represent a great support in managing professional and family commitments. In 2016, however, something changed and families found it harder to find help: “The drop is due to the fact that, after Brexit, Great Britain is perceived as anti-foreigner and Europeans are less willing to come. They prefer other destinations like Ireland“.
And you? Which destination do you have in mind for your au pair experience? Read the testimonials from those who have alreadyturned to our agency and pack your suitcase. Brexit or no Brexit, being an ’au pair abroad is an unforgettable experience that will enrich you enormously.
