CHAPTER II

ADMISSION

Specific conditions for au pairs
Article 16
1
In addition to the general conditions laid down in Article 7, as regards the admission of a third-country national for the purpose of au pairing, the third-country national shall:
a
provide an agreement between the third-country national and the host family defining the third-country national's rights and obligations as an au pair, including specifications about the pocket money to be received, adequate arrangements allowing the au pair to attend courses and the maximum hours of family duties;
b
be between the age of 18 and 30. In exceptional cases, Member States may allow the admission of a third-country national, as an au pair, who is above the maximum age limit;
c
provide evidence that the host family or an organisation mediating au pairs, insofar as provided for by national law, accepts responsibility for the third-country national throughout the stay in the territory of the Member State concerned, in particular with regard to living expenses, accommodation and accident risks.
2
Member States may require the third-country national who applies to be admitted as an au pair to provide evidence:
a
of basic knowledge of the language of the Member State concerned; or
b
of having secondary education, professional qualifications or, where applicable, of fulfilling the conditions to exercise a regulated profession, as required by national law.
3
Member States may determine that the placement of au pairs shall only be carried out by an organisation mediating au pairs under the conditions defined in national law.
4
Member States may require the members of the host family to be of different nationality than the third-country national who applies to be admitted for the purpose of au pairing and not to have any family links with the third-country national concerned.
5
The maximum number of hours of au pair duties per week shall not exceed 25 hours. The au pair shall have at least one day per week free from au pair duties.
6
Member States may set a minimum sum of money as pocket money to be paid to the au pair.