For many of our supporters, free movement is not just about promoting CANZUK diplomacy, increasing business opportunities and expanding our economies...it is about reuniting families, and settling in a place they call home.
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After a year I was forced to leave due to my visa expiring. I went back to the UK and carried on my relationship with my boyfriend for another year and spent a lot of money flying back and forth to visit.
Unfortunately, we were forced to break up because attaining a partner/de-facto visa was so difficult. I would do anything to go back to Melbourne and have a happy life there. I have never felt at home in the UK.– Jenny Maltby
I love my country, but I feel as though there's always been something missing... I would love the opportunity for a fresh start where I can finally feel like I belong somewhere.
I'm a Dental Hygienist, but that won't necessarily qualify me for a work visa. It's not on the skills-shortage list, and I may not make the required yearly salary to qualify (my job is client dependent).
I also have friends and family who would love to live in Australia and New Zealand, but also can't get the visa requirements. Freedom of movement would help so many dreams come true, and help so many people take the next steps in their lives...not to mention the possible economic benefits for the countries involved.– Sarah Anam
We have applied for permanent residency, but a decision has been delayed for over a year and a half, despite us having fulfilled all the requirements. Our Canadian friends (shocked and surprised by our situation) have very kindly written letters, rang the immigration department and got in touch with MPs, all to no avail, and due to visa limitations, we may soon have to relocate back to the UK.
Even if I was not trying to emigrate to Canada, I would still be an eager supporter of the CFMO because it is fair, proper, workable, and beneficial for citizens of our four nations.– Isaac Anderson
My wife can move there at any time, as can my 3 children, without any restrictions. But under the current immigration restrictions within the UK, I can not join her or my children.
Getting a Visa is near impossible with the restrictions/conditions now imposed under UK law.– Kim Wright
I did everything possible to stay where I was in Edinburgh, but I was forced to leave because my job was not in high enough demand.
I have always loved the UK, and have never felt settled anywhere else. If free movement was introduced, I would catch the first flight back there and reunite with the wonderful life I had. - Jake Rothering
I am a highly skilled worker and would be a great asset to Australia’s health and social care sector.
I truly believe that free movement between these countries should happen for anyone who wants to start their journey abroad and emigrate with no restrictions.– Lara Stewart
If free movement was available, we could have easily emigrated to South Australia. I am a qualified nurse with over 40 years experience in the Intellectual Disability Field (most of that as a manager of community based services).
Even ten years on, it is still a dream of mine to move to Adelaide.– Shaun Price
At present, they live in England, but if they move back to Australia, we would miss them terribly.
Anything to make it easier for us to stay with them would be a great help.– Nigel Mance
I am scared that my options to stay will run out, and consequentially, my fiance and I will have to start a new life somewhere else.
Even if we move to Ontario, the immigration protocols will be just as difficult for her. It shouldn't be this difficult when our countries share so much history and common values. - Andy Jerecks
I have no idea whether I will even be allowed to stay given the complicated immigration system in Canada.
If free movement existed, I could stay here and work in my dream job with no worries whatsoever. - Kelly Hampshire
We should embrace free movement so that every individual (young and old) has the best opportunity available and the chance to form a better life. - Mau Patel
I had an excellent job, great friends and a great lifestyle, but all that was taken away because no opportunities for permanent residency existed for me.
Free movement would allow me, and thousands like me, to live in Commonwealth countries they consider as "home", even though they may be thousands of miles away. - Jason Reed
My visa will be almost £4,000, and hers was about £2,000; a significant expense for a newly married couple starting out.
I think the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have such natural ties that a long standing reciprocal arrangement makes sense. - Christopher Wilmot