(CPV) - The New Zealand Embassy in Hanoi and the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) on July 23 announce that the bilateral arrangement to establish a Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) will enter into effect on July 31 seven months after its signature.

This is Vietnam’s first such scheme with any other country.

Entry into effect of this Arrangement will open up valuable opportunities each year for up to 100 young people from each country to holiday in the other country for up to 12 months to gain exposure to foreign languages, cultures and values, while being allowed to take up temporary employment to supplement their travel funds and enrol in short-term training or study courses.

Young people aged 18-30 from both nations who wish to participate in this Scheme will be able to apply from July 31. Places on the Scheme will be allocated on first-come first-served basis to applicants who meet all criteria.

Criteria for Vietnamese applicants include possession of a tertiary education qualification, proof of functional English ability to IELTS 4.5 level, and proof of funds to support the holiday. Meanwhile, criteria for New Zealand applicants include possession of a National Certificate of Education Achievement Level or above, and proof of funds to support the holiday.

Interested applicants are urged to consult updated information on the Scheme available on the New Zealand Embassy website (www.nzembassy.com/viet-nam), or the website of the Bureau of Employment of MOLISA (http://www.vieclamvietnam.gov.vn/tintuc/WorkingHoliday.aspx) or the website of the Department of Overseas Labor of MOLISA (http://dolab.gov.vn).

The launch of the WHS further boosts the recent strong growth in the relationship between the two countries. It is expected that the Scheme will help to broaden people-to-people linkages and contribute to two way bilateral linkages in areas such as tourism and education./.