Applications under the Hong Kong/Hungary bilateral Working Holiday Scheme will be accepted from September 1 (Saturday) to enable young people from the two places to broaden their horizons and gain living and working experience in a foreign culture.

Welcoming the commencement of the scheme, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong said, "Working Holiday Schemes have been well received by the youth and we are delighted about the new opportunities offered to them under the new scheme. I believe that the youth exchange will further reinforce the bilateral ties between Hong Kong and Hungary."

Consul-General of Hungary in Hong Kong, Dr Pál Kertész, said, "It is a great pleasure to welcome the start of the Working Holiday Scheme. We hope the opportunity it provides will help foster an even stronger tie between our people and that our youths will greatly benefit from the cultural exchanges."

The working holiday visa will allow young people from Hong Kong and Hungary to stay in the host economy for up to 12 months. During the period, they may work to finance their stay and/or take up short-term study course.

Details of visa application procedures for applicants from Hong Kong can be found on the website of the Consulate General of Hungary in Hong Kong at hongkong.mfa.gov.hu/eng. Applicants from Hungary may contact the Hong Kong Immigration Department by telephone on 2824 6111 or obtain the necessary information from the Department's website at www.immd.gov.hk.

Working holidaymakers are reminded to research thoroughly the employment, accommodation and living conditions as well as relevant statutory requirements of the host economy before departure.

Since 2001, Hong Kong has established Working Holiday Schemes with New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Germany, Japan, Canada, Korea, France, the United Kingdom, Austria, Hungary, Sweden and the Netherlands. So far, some 88 000 Hong Kong youths have participated in these schemes.

Ends/Monday, August 27, 2018