Hong Kong Excludes African Nations from Holiday Work Scheme

The Hong Kong Immigration Department has released a list of 13 countries whose citizens are eligible for the Working Holiday Scheme, with no African nations included. This scheme aims to foster cultural and educational exchanges between Hong Kong and its partner countries.

Eligible applicants must possess a national passport, be aged between 18 and 30, and reside in their home country. The primary purpose of their visit must be holidaying, although they can take up short-term employment and enroll in brief study or training courses during their stay.

Australia has the largest allocation with 5,000 annual spots, while Austria and the Netherlands have the smallest with 100 each. The scheme operates on an annual quota system, processing applications on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning once a country's quota is filled, no further applications will be accepted until the next cycle.