Japan and UK Expands Working Holiday Scheme

The governments of Japan and the United Kingdom (UK) have confirmed an agreement to expand their respective working holiday schemes.

The deal was announced as UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly met with Japanese officials at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo, ahead of the G7 meeting in the city.

Under this new agreement, set to take effect by Spring 2024, both countries will witness a considerable increase in available opportunities within the scheme, with a total of 6,000 places annually.

Japan's allocation will see an impressive sixfold surge from the current 1,000, while the British quota will grow fourfold from the current 1,500, providing more avenues for cultural immersion and professional experiences.

The UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme allows Japanese nationals aged between 18 and 30 to study, work, and travel in the UK for up to two years. Simultaneously, Japan’s Working Holiday visa scheme extends British nationals the chance to explore and contribute through work experiences in Japan for a year.

“It is hoped that this memorandum will encourage people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the UK in a wide range of fields, leading to further strengthening of the Japan-UK relationship.”
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

This move highlights a shared commitment to fostering cultural understanding and cooperation between the two nations.

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