Working holiday scheme a success
The working holiday scheme between Hong Kong and Japan has turned out to be a great success, with the applications received for the first period of this year already exceeding the annual quota of 250.
The working holiday scheme between Hong Kong and Japan has turned out to be a great success, with the applications received for the first period of this year already exceeding the annual quota of 250.
Launched in January 2010, the scheme is designed to promote exchanges between the young people of Japan and Hong Kong so they can gain a deeper understanding of each other's culture and society. Japan is one of the most-favoured tourist destinations for Hongkongers, and is also the city's third-largest trading partner.
To qualify, the applicant must be a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holder ordinarily resident in Hong Kong, who is aged between 18 and 30 and intends primarily to holiday in Japan for a specified period of not more than one year. They will be allowed to take up employment during their holiday to supplement expenses.
In addition, the applicant must not be accompanied by dependent family members, and must possess a return travel ticket - or the means to purchase a ticket - and sufficient funds for living in Japan. The applicant must also hold medical insurance throughout the stay.
The annual quota is allocated twice a year in May and November, with 125 visas issued for each period. For the first period this year, the Consulate General of Japan received a total of 279 applications between April 4 and 17. After careful examinations, the 125 successful applications were announced on May 20.
Among the 125 successful applicants in the first period, females accounted for 70 per cent of the total. Those in the age groups of 23 to 26 and 27 to 30 each comprised 43 per cent, while those 18 to 22 years represented 14 per cent.
