Starting in January, 1,000 places will be available annually for young Taiwanese to stay in the UK for up to two years to work either full-time or part-time, serve as a volunteer, or pursue privately funded studies under the UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.
The exchange of letters on the scheme was completed yesterday between British Trade and Cultural Office in Taipei Director David Campbell and Representative to London Katherine Chang (張小月), the ministry said.
Under the scheme, the UK is to offer Taiwanese youths aged between 18 and 30 multiple-entry visas for a maximum period of two years.
YMS participants are free to work in any profession in the UK during the period, although they cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson or a doctor in training, the ministry said.
Taiwan will reciprocate and offer 1,000 places each year for UK nationals aged from 18 to 30, but the maximum period of stay is one year.
Application details for the program are scheduled to be announced on Monday at a press conference held by the British Trade & Cultural Office, which British Border Agency Asia-Pacific Director James Sharp is scheduled to attend to discuss the scheme.
“Taiwan’s incorporation in the YMS marks a key milestone in bilateral affairs between Taiwan and the UK,” the ministry said.
Taiwan has working holiday agreements with six other countries — New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Canada, Germany and South Korea. The UK is the first country to grant Taiwan working holiday visas with a visit period of two years.
“The implementation of the YMS will be of great benefit to the future careers and personal development of the participants,” the ministry said in a statement. “We hope that the scheme will encourage more young people from the UK to come and experience the customs and culture of Taiwan, study Mandarin and make long-lasting friendships.”
“It is hoped that the youths of Taiwan can see for themselves the wisdom of our ‘Viable Diplomacy’ policy and personally experience the fruits of it,” it said, adding that “this way, they can further ensure a bright future for themselves and for Taiwan.”
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