TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Due to a new agreement, Taiwanese students will be allowed to apply for working holidays in Japan twice, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said Thursday.

A recent exchange of letters between the two governments doubled the number of times that Taiwanese can go to Japan on a working program, per CNA. The new rule went into effect retroactively from Feb. 1, the premier said.

The measure is part of efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help young Taiwanese expand their international contacts. Since 2004, Taiwan has signed working holiday agreements with Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, the UK, France, and Germany.

Each year, more than 10,000 people file applications for the programs. Working overseas helps youths boost their global competitiveness, improve their knowledge of international risk management, and cultivate a responsible attitude, according to the government.

Separately, the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative assisted 1,463 youths last year to travel overseas to realize their dreams. For this year, an extra program will help 341 youths from underprivileged, remote, Indigenous, and special families to improve their professional knowledge.