Germany is working harder to attract skilled labour, especially from India. Every year, the nation intends to give 90,000 skilled worker visas to Indian experts, up from the current 20,000. This big transformation aims to solve the increasing labour shortages in several industries.

The German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, emphasized how urgent this endeavour is. He pointed out that Germany has a labour deficit in vital professions like nursing, caregiving, and information technology. The new visa policy is anticipated to close these gaps successfully.

Streamlined Visa Processes

The German government is taking steps to streamline the visa application procedure. Wait periods for Indian applications will now be much shortened. For skilled worker visas, the processing time has been shortened from nine months to two weeks. Nearly 400,000 applicants who have experienced lengthy waits will benefit from this reform.

The Schengen Area also intends to implement an online visa application process by the end of 2024. Thanks to this digital strategy, Indians and other non-EU nationals can apply for Schengen visas online. The procedure will be considerably more convenient for applicants since they won't have to visit an embassy or consulate.

Relaxed Language and Salary Requirements

Additionally, Germany has changed the language criteria for Indian workers who want to apply for Blue Cards. There is no longer a requirement to speak German fluently. Additionally, migrant workers now have a lower pay requirement. Now that degree holders can apply for a Blue Card, it will be simpler for talented Indians to find work in Germany.

Urgent Labour Needs

Competent labour is desperately needed in Germany. According to the German Economic Institute, there are over 570,000 open positions in various industries. Transportation, manufacturing, construction, engineering, healthcare, and IT account for many open roles. Notably, operators, machine operators, cabinet makers, and food preparers are the next most sought-after occupations after drivers.

Germany's move to expand skilled worker visas is part of a larger plan to address its labour problem. Both countries want to use qualified Indian labour to strengthen their economies, and the nation is also looking to Japan as a model. Opportunities for trained professionals will continue to expand with the conclusion of a new labour mobility agreement between Germany and India.

Improved immigration laws in Germany promise higher earnings in addition to opening doors for Indian labour. Indian full-time workers often earn an average gross monthly pay of €5,400, much more than the median salary for the country. Furthermore, the Indian unemployment rate in Germany is a very low 3.7%.

With these adjustments, Germany is positioned to attract talented Indian workers looking for new possibilities outside. For many professionals, the focus on family reunification further increases the allure of moving to Germany.

FAQS

Why is Germany expanding its skilled worker visas, particularly for experts from India?

Germany has a severe labour shortage in fields such as childcare, healthcare, and information technology. India is a perfect partner to assist Germany in closing these gaps and promoting economic growth because it has many highly qualified professionals in these fields.

What possibilities do Indian professionals in Germany have for reuniting with their families?

German family reunification policies allow eligible workers to bring their spouses and kids, which increases the country's allure for Indian professionals looking to relocate.