ROC-UK Youth Mobility Scheme to Launch Next Year

After continuous efforts and numerous-rounds of negotiations, the governments of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the United Kingdom (UK) have completed an exchange of letters on Taiwan’s inclusion in the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS). The exchange of letters on the scheme was completed on September 29 between David Campbell, Director of the British Trade and Cultural Office in Taipei, and Katherine Chang, Representative of the Taipei Representative Office in the UK. The two sides have agreed to implement the scheme as of January 1, 2012.

Under this scheme, each year the United Kingdom will offer multiple-entry visas to 1,000 Taiwanese youths between the ages of 18 and 30 for a maximum duration of two years so that they may gain professional experience, either full-time or part-time; serve as volunteers; or pursue privately-funded studies in the UK. By doing so, they can immerse themselves in the UK’s culture, society and lifestyle, thereby broadening their global perspectives.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attaches great importance to international youth exchanges and actively seeks to foster a better understanding of current global affairs among the young people of Taiwan. The implementation of the YMS would highly benefit the future careers and personal development of the participants. MOFA and National Youth Commission, Executive Yuan also hope that the YMS will encourage even more young people from the United Kingdom to come and experience the customs and culture of Taiwan, study Mandarin, and make long-lasting friendships.

The UK, as the seventh country to enter this type of scheme with Taiwan, follows in the footsteps of New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Canada, Germany and South Korea.

Taiwan and Japan are the only two East Asian countries to have been admitted, Taiwan is also the 6th country in the world that enjoys such a special privilege from the UK. Taiwan’s incorporation in this exclusive scheme marks a key milestone in the bilateral affairs between Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

Of special note is that, among the seven countries to have signed a working holiday agreement with Taiwan, the UK is the only one to allow the participants to stay for up to two years.

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. This way, they can further ensure a bright future for themselves and for Taiwan.

Please link to the website of the Bureau of Consular Affairs for more information.