Young Taiwanese intending to join a reciprocal working holiday program with Japan can file visa applications with the Japanese Interchange Association starting on June 1, Japan’s representative office in Taipei said earlier this week.
The Interchange Association, which represents Japanese interests in the absence of formal diplomatic ties, will accept applications for working holiday visas at its Taipei and Kaohsiung offices from June 1 to June 5 and from Nov. 2 to Nov. 6.
Naohiro Tsutsumi, director-general of the Interchange Association’s Taipei Office, said Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its representative office in Japan are expected to unveil similar stipulations soon for Japanese hopefuls to follow.
SURROGATES
He reminded prospective applicants that they should file applications in person because the association will not accept applications via mail or e-mail. Applications filed by surrogates will likewise not be accepted.
In addition to possessing valid Republic of China passports, applicants must also be residing in Taiwan and be aged between 18 and 30. For instance, those intending to apply in June must be born between June 2, 1978, and June 5, 1991.
Other qualifications include return tickets, a clean bill of health, no criminal record, accident insurance policies and financial support for their initial stay.
Asked whether applicants should be able to speak Japanese, Tsutsumi said that hopefuls would not be rejected simply because of poor Japanese proficiency.
“But if the number of applicants far exceed the 2,000-a-year quota, language ability might be factored in,” he said.
Tsutsumi said that if necessary, certain applicants may be required to undergo face-to-face interviews.
The Interchange Association is scheduled to announce the results of screening for those who file applications in June on July 3.
Qualified applicants should pick up their certificates between July 6 and July 17. Successful applicants are eligible to enter Japan within one year of the date they are issued visas for a maximum one-year stay.
NO NIGHT CLUBS
Tsutsumi stressed that individuals who acquire visas under the reciprocal working holiday program are barred from working at night clubs or any sex trade-related establishments.
Violators may be arrested by police or deported back to Taiwan and even be prohibited from visiting Japan again.
He said the Japanese government will not assist those who enter Japan under the working holiday program in finding residences or jobs. But he said that the Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers offers free counseling services.
Prospective applicants are welcome to visit the group’s Web site at www.jawhm.or.jp.
Tsutsumi also reminded those who enter Japan under the program to apply for re-entry permits in advance if they intend to return to Taiwan for a short-term stay or travel to other countries.
Japan is the third country to reach such an agreement with Taiwan after Australia and New Zealand.
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