Britain expands Korean quota for work-study program to 5,000

The face of Big Ben in London, Britain, on Dec. 30, 2023. [EPA/YONHAP]

The British government expanded the quota for Koreans who can work and study in the United Kingdom under its Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS).

Starting Wednesday, the annual quota for the scheme was expanded from 1,000 to 5,000 for applicants from South Korea, the British Embassy in Korea said.

The age cap was also extended from 30 to 35.

The Youth Mobility Scheme grants candidates aged between 18 and 30, or 18 to 35, depending on their nationality, a visa to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to two years.

The applicant must have at least 2,530 pounds ($3,208) in their savings.

“The enthusiasm of British and Korean people for each other's culture, language, music and sports is at an all-time high,” said British Ambassador to Korea Colin Crooks. “The expansion of the YMS agreement between the U.K. and South Korea will allow more young people than ever from our two countries to explore each other’s cultures firsthand and to make lifelong memories and friends in the process."

The embassy said that South Korean nationals interested in applying for the YMS visa will no longer need to register their interest in a ballot. Instead, they can apply at any time starting Wednesday if they meet the eligibility criteria.

BY ESTHER CHUNG [chung.juhee@joongang.co.kr]