Young people in Taiwan have an exciting opportunity coming their way this July.
The United Kingdom (UK) government has announced the opening of the second ballot for the 2024 Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) for Taiwanese youth.
This initiative aims to strengthen cultural ties and provide valuable experiences for participants.
It allows them to explore different cultures, gain work experience, and develop personally and professionally.
The ballot for Taiwanese youth interested in joining the YMS program will be open between 23 and 25 July 2024, Taiwan time.
This ballot is part of the UK’s broader efforts to increase participation in the scheme and make it accessible to more young people.
The government had selected 800 applicants from the first Taiwanese YMS ballot in February.
This July, it will randomly select 200 more Taiwanese youth eligible for the YMS program.
What is the Youth Mobility Scheme?
The Youth Mobility Scheme is a reciprocal arrangement between the UK and Taiwan.
It means that while young people from Taiwan can apply to come to the UK, young Brits can also go to Taiwan under similar schemes.
The YMS program allows young individuals from Taiwan to live, work, and experience life in the UK for up to two years.
It is available to individuals aged 18 to 30 and provides a unique opportunity for both Taiwanese and British youth.
The scheme also applies to Taiwanese youth living overseas. If selected, they can apply for the YMS program where they reside.
The scheme, however, does not apply to Taiwanese youth already residing in the UK.
The program is part of the UK’s broader effort to strengthen international relations and promote cultural exchange.
It also aligns with the UK’s goal of creating a more diverse and inclusive society.
How Taiwanese youth can apply for YMS program
The YMS application process for Taiwanese youth involves entering a ballot within a set period.
Successful applicants will be randomly selected from the entered ballots to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.
To enter a ballot, interested applicants must email TaiwanYMS@homeoffice.gov.uk between 12:01 a.m. on 23 July 2024 and 12:01 a.m. on 25 July 2024, Taiwan time.
The applicant’s name, date of birth (in the date/month/year format), and passport number should be in the email’s header or subject line.
The body of the email must include the applicant’s name, date of birth, passport number, and mobile phone number in English.
The email account will only be open for 48 hours. All emails received within that period will get an automated reply confirming receipt of ballot entry.
Once the ballot closes, the UKVI will randomly choose 200 applicants to fill in the remaining Taiwanese YMS allocations for the year.
Selected candidates will be notified by email on 31 July. They can then proceed with submitting their visa application requirements.
This includes meeting the eligibility criteria and providing the necessary documents.
Along with the age and nationality requirement, YMS applicants must also have £2,530 in savings.
This demonstrates that they can support themselves during their stay in the UK.
Then, they must pay the £298 YMS application fee and healthcare surcharge fee of £776 per year.
The UK government provides detailed instructions and guidance on the visa application process.
Following these guidelines closely is crucial to avoid any mistakes that could jeopardize the application.
Benefits of the YMS program
The Youth Mobility Scheme is an excellent opportunity for young people. It offers numerous benefits:
Cultural Exchange
Living in the UK provides a chance to experience British culture firsthand.
Participants can explore historic landmarks, enjoy diverse cuisines, and engage with local communities.
This cultural exchange enriches their understanding of the world and fosters international friendships.
Work Experience
The scheme allows participants to work in the UK, gaining valuable international work experience.
This experience can enhance their resumes and open up future career opportunities.
Working in a different country also helps develop new skills and adaptability.
Personal Growth
Living abroad encourages personal growth and independence.
Participants learn to navigate new environments, manage their finances, and develop problem-solving skills.
These experiences contribute to their overall development and confidence.
Expanding the YMS program
The UK government has expanded the Youth Mobility Scheme to include more countries and increased participation quotas.
In recent years, new agreements have been made with countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Andorra, and Uruguay.
These expansions are designed to allow more young people to experience life in the UK.
For instance, the mutual agreements with Japan and South Korea have significantly increased the number of available slots.
The quota for Japanese participants has risen from 1,500 to 6,000.
On the other hand, the South Korean youth quota has increased from 1,000 to 5,000 annually.
Expanding the YMS program reflects the growing importance of international mobility for young people in today’s globalized world.
It reflects the UK’s commitment to fostering international connections and providing life-changing experiences to more young people.