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Hong Kong and Ireland today (January 21) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which marks the establishment of a new bilateral Working Holiday Scheme to benefit the young people of both places.

The MOU was signed by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour of Hong Kong, Mr Stephen Ip; and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland, Mr Micheal Martin.

The scheme enables young people from both places to stay up to 12 months in each other's territory for holidays and short-term employment. Participants may take up temporary jobs for not more than three months with any one employer during their stay.

The scheme will come into effect on March 1 this year. There will be 100 visitor places each year available for both sides.

"The scheme will provide invaluable opportunities for our young people to gain exposure to a different culture and get work experience. I encourage our young people to make good use of this worthwhile scheme," Mr Ip said.

"It will also strengthen bilateral ties between Hong Kong and Ireland and help tourism both ways," he added.

To obtain a working holiday visa for Ireland, an applicant has to fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

* Be an ordinary resident of Hong Kong and possess a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or British National Overseas passport;

* Be aged 18 to 30 and intend primarily to holiday in Ireland;

* Have the means to pay for his/her return journey and be able to maintain himself/herself while in Ireland; and

* Hold medical and comprehensive hospitalisation and liability insurance during his/her stay in Ireland.

The application procedures for the scheme will be announced later.

Hong Kong put in place a similar scheme with New Zealand and Australia in April 2001 and September 2001 respectively. Eligible applicants may approach the relevant consulates for application forms and enquiries about details of the scheme.

Ends/Friday, January 21, 2005

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