Japan to Sixfold Number of Visas Issued to UK Nationals Under Working Holiday Program

Key Takeaways

  • Japan has expanded the visa quota to the British nationals under the WHP from 1,000 to 6,000.
  • A similar expansion has been introduced from the UK authorities as of January 31, 2024.
  • Among other things, authorities expect this initiative to further enhance the relationship between the two countries.

Japan will issue more visas to British nationals under the Working Holiday Program (WHP), the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.

As of April 1, the yearly quota of eligible UK nationals to use this program has been expanded from 1,000 to 6,000, VisaGuide.World reports.

Among other things, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs anticipates this initiative to further enhance the relationship between the two countries.

Expanding the visa quota for the Working Holiday Program further encourages exchange and mutual understanding between the youths of Japan and the UK and is expected to further strengthen the relationship between Japan and the UK.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Previously, UK Increased Visa Quota For Young Japanese Under YMS

A similar decision was announced earlier this year by the UK authorities. As of January 31, 2024, the number of young Japanese nationals eligible to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) has increased to 6,000.

The British Embassy announced at that time that Japanese citizens no longer need to register through a ballot to apply for the YMS visa. They can now apply anytime, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

Regarding this initiative, the British Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom CMG, stated that the relationship between the UK and Japan is stronger than ever.

Schemes like the Youth Mobility Scheme and Working Holiday Scheme offer life-changing opportunities that open doors and minds, and it is wonderful to see them growing.

Julia Longbottom CMG, British Ambassador to Japan

Thousands of Young British & Japanese People Traveled & Worked Through These Programs

The Working Holiday Program  between Japan and the UK was first introduced in 2001. The Japanese Ministry noted that the working holiday programs, established through agreements between countries, aim to allow young people from Japan and its partner countries to visit each other’s countries mainly for holiday purposes, while also allowing them work during their stay to support their travels.

The programmes are designed to provide the youth with wider opportunities for them to appreciate the culture and general way of life in the partner countries/regions for the purpose of promoting mutual understanding between Japan and its partner countries/regions.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Reportedly, thousands of young British and Japanese individuals have been able to travel, work, and discover each other’s countries and cultures through these visa mobility programs.

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