Hong Kong applications up for Japan working holiday visas

Less than one third of Hongkongers who applied for a Japan working holiday visa in the first half of 2016 were successful, as the number of applications grew.

In the first round of working holiday applications this year, the Japanese consulate in Hong Kong got 407 applications, a 4.4 per cent increase on the same time last year.

But the consulate could only issue 125 visas.

UK-based human resources firm ECA International regional director in Asia, Lee Quane, said the increase of applicants could reflect a growing number of university graduates in Hong Kong and their desire to seek overseas work experience.

“Some university graduates look at working holiday as a good opportunity to get some work experience overseas before entering the workforce,” Quane said. “It also reflects Hong Kong people’s enthusiasm for Japan as a holiday and also working destination.”