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In view of the overwhelming response, the quota arrangements for the Hong Kong/Australia and Hong Kong/Germany Working Holiday Schemes will be increased with effect from today (July 1).
The annual quota of 1,000 for Hong Kong youths to travel to Australia under the Hong Kong/Australia Working Holiday Scheme will be lifted (i.e. no quota restriction), while that for Australian youths visiting Hong Kong will be increased from 1,000 to 5,000.
The annual quota under the Hong Kong/Germany Working Holiday Scheme will also be increased from 100 to 150.
Since the establishment of bilateral working holiday schemes with New Zealand and Australia in 2001, Hong Kong has set up similar arrangements with Ireland in 2005, Germany in 2009, and Japan and Canada in 2010.
Successful applicants will be permitted to stay in the participating places for up to 12 months for holidaying and taking up short-term employment during their visits.
So far, about 12,300 Hong Kong youngsters have joined the schemes, while some 1,500 young people from the above countries have come to visit Hong Kong to experience the vibrant way of life here.
Application details are available on the websites of relevant consulates general. Foreign applicants may contact the Hong Kong Immigration Department by telephone at 2824 6111 or download the necessary information from the department's website at www.immd.gov.hk .
Ends/Thursday, July 1, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:00
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