Brexit may bring Kiwis in UK home

Uncertainty surrounding Brexit and a strong New Zealand economy could trigger a flock of Kiwi workers returning home from Britain, a recruitment firm says.

Next March, provided no extensions are granted, Britain will formally leave the European Union (EU). The move, widely known as Brexit, is likely to send shockwaves across Europe and have major repercussions for foreigners living and working in the UK.

For now it’s business as usual for Kiwis living and working in the UK, but no state has ever left the EU since it was formed in 1993 and just how Britain’s departure will look on March 29 next year is a big unknown.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) said the New Zealand Government was working to preserve access for New Zealanders to live and work in the UK.

Professional recruitment consultancy firm Robert Walters helps Kiwis moving to the UK, as well as Kiwis returning to New Zealand, find jobs.

Its New Zealand manager, Shay Peters, said Brexit could be a catalyst for New Zealanders living and working in the UK to return to New Zealand, particularly those who have been there a while.

‘‘Those are probably the most likely individuals to be unsettled,’’ Peters said.

New Zealand networking group Kea helps connect Kiwis overseas.

Its regional director for UK and Europe, Tania Bearsley, said it was hard to predict what impact Brexit would have on New Zealand workers in the UK but sponsorship schemes were becoming harder to access.

But, in time, new opportunities may open up and New Zealanders should keep themselves across developments, she said.

‘‘Where there’s change there’s always opportunity,’’ Bearsley said.