New Zealandand Vietnam start bilateral WHS implementation

The Working Holiday Scheme signing ceremony

Entry into effect of this arrangement will openup valuable opportunities each year for up to 100 young people from each country to holiday in the other country for up to 12 months togain 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 New Zealand and Vietnam who wish to participate in this scheme will be able to apply from Tuesday July 31, 2012.

Places on the scheme will be allocated on first-come first-served basis to applicants who meet all criteria. Competent authorities of New Zealand and Vietnam expect places on the scheme for citizens from both countries to fill fast. 

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. 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 Labour of MOLISA(http://dolab.gov.vn).

The launch of the WHS further boosts the recent strong growth in the relationship between New Zealand and Vietnam.  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.

To mark the launch of the WHS, the MoLISAand the New Zealand Embassy in Hanoi will co-organise a workshop on July 31 to increase the awareness and understanding of interested parties about the scheme.  This will be followed by a bilateral exchange of diplomatic notes to confirm that each side has completed its legal requirements necessary for the WHS arrangement’s entry into effect.