Germany is giving a leg up to aspiring globetrotters with a new visa program that will make it easier for you to fulfill your dreams of living in the land of ever-flowing beer and fast cars. The program was announced last year, and tailored to attract skilled foreign workers to Deutschland.
Germany faced an all-time high labor shortage of 1.74 million vacant positions in 2022, and staff shortages affected almost half of all companies surveyed in July 2022. To fill the gap, Germany plans to attract skilled professionals from outside the EU.
How is Germany’s immigration policy changing?
The new system for attracting skilled workers to Germany will have three main benefits. Firstly, it will be easier for people with professional experience, rather than just a degree, to work in the country. Secondly, Germany will recognize more job experience and professional qualifications from workers’ native countries. And, lastly, the opportunity card will allow qualified job seekers to search for work in Germany without a job offer. While seeking employment, they can work 20 hours a week for a year.
Who qualifies for this new visa?
An “opportunity card” also known as the “chancenkarte” was proposed by Labour Minister Hubertus Heil to solve Germany’s skills shortage. Qualifications, work experience, age, German language skills, and ties to Germany will be considered in this points-based system, making it easier for workers with the right skills to get into Germany.
German employers are specifically looking for skilled craftsmen, electrical engineers, IT specialists, carers, nurses, catering, and hospitality staff. The scheme will be available at end of 2023.
by travelers, for travelers.
