UK and Japan expand mobility schemes for young people.
The expansion takes effect on separate dates this year, with an increased annual quota for both nationalities, and the removal of the ballot process for Japanese nationals.
More young British and Japanese nationals will be eligible to experience life-changing opportunities in each other’s countries thanks to the mutual expansion of visa schemes between the UK and Japan.
From 31 January 2024, the number of nationals from Japan who can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa each year is increasing to 6,000. Furthermore, the number of British nationals eligible to apply for Japan’s Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) each year is also increasing to 6,000 from 1 April 2024.
Japanese nationals interested in applying for the YMS visa will no longer need to register their interest in a ballot. Instead, they can apply at any time from 31 January if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Throughout the years, we have seen thousands of young people take advantage of the Youth Mobility Scheme to travel, work, and explore the UK, gaining a better understanding of a different culture and society along the way. This is also true for young British people spending time in Japan through the Working Holiday Scheme.
Speaking of the upcoming announcements the British Ambassador to Japan; Julia Longbottom CMG, said:
The partnership between the UK and Japan is stronger than ever, and it is connections between people that sits at the heart of that partnership. 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.
UKVI Head of Region for Asia Pacific; Michael Lutz: said:
I am delighted that we have expanded our visa schemes so more young Japanese people will have the opportunity to live and work in the UK and forge life-long connections whilst strengthening the enduring links between our two countries.
The expansion of the Youth Mobility Scheme and Working Holiday Scheme is a flagship achievement on UK and Japan’s long-standing commitment to revitalise people-to-people exchanges between our two countries under the Hiroshima Accord that was issued by both Prime Ministers in May last year.