October 24, 2017
No.196
The Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Republic of Austria signed a declaration on October 24 to extend the visa validity for participants in their bilateral working holiday program to one year, effective immediately.
The declaration was signed by Ms. Vanessa Yea-Ping Shih, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Culture Office in Austria, and Mr. Albin Mauritz, Director of the Austrian Office in Taipei. The signing ceremony was held at the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei and witnessed by José María Liu, ROC Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The youth working holiday joint declaration between Taiwan and Austria was signed and entered into effect on November 18, 2014. Each year since then, the two countries have allowed up to 50 young people aged 18 to 30 from the other country to obtain working holiday visas with a validity of six months. Following a recent resolution by the Austrian parliament to extend the visa validity for foreign working holiday makers from six months to one year, the ROC and Austrian governments reached a consensus to do the same for their bilateral working holiday program.
MOFA has posted a Chinese-language version of information provided by the Austrian government about application criteria and other important items regarding its working holiday scheme on the following website: http://www.youthtaiwan.net/WorkingHoliday/ Default.aspx. Young Taiwanese interested in traveling to Austria for a working holiday can also visit the website of the Austrian Office in Taipei (http://www.bmeia.gv.at/taipeh). Young Austrians who intend to come to Taiwan for a working holiday can find relevant information on the website of the Taipei Economic and Culture Office in Austria (http://www.taiwanembassy.org/at).
MOFA advises Taiwanese youth visiting Austria under the working holiday program to collect information and learn more about the country prior to departure, abide by local laws and regulations, take safety precautions, and stay in frequent contact with their family in Taiwan, so as to ensure a safe and pleasant trip. In case of emergency, they can contact the Taipei Economic and Culture Office in Austria (Address: Wagramer Str. 19/11. OG., A-1220 Vienna, Austria; Phone: +43-664-3450455). (E)