Young Czechs to go to "working holiday" to Korea

Prague, April 11 (CTK) - The Senate Wednesday passed an agreement under which young Czechs are to be soon able to travel for "working holidays" to the Republic of Korea.

Similar conditions will be valid for the Koreans who will come to the Czech Republic within the programme working holiday.

The Czech Republic has concluded similar work agreements with Canada and New Zealand.

The agreement is yet to be signed by President Vaclav Klaus.

It was agreed on by the two countries' foreign ministries.

Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg (TOP 09) told the senators that people aged 18-35 years would be allowed to use the programme, while the permit would be valid for a maximum of one year.

Schwarzenberg said Korea was a fascinating country.

"During 40 years, it became one of the most advanced rich industrial countries in the world, while it started with real distress and poverty," said Schwarzenberg, adding that the Czech Republic had many fans in Korea.

Schwarzenberg said he expected a great interest in the stay in the country and vice versa.

There is a visa-free tourist regime between the two countries and visitors can stay in the other country for less than 90 days, but they cannot be there over work activities.

The new agreement on working holiday will ease the handling of request for long-term visas with the opportunities to work.

The number of one-year visas will not be unlimited. Both countries will determine the quota every year.

The Czech Republic attracts Korean investors. Three years ago, Hyundai opened its first automobile plant in Nosovice, north Moravia.

The Korean GS Caltex wants to build a plastic components plant in Karvina, north Moravia.