Is Germany towing the path of Canada? Can you work in Germany as well? Catch the full details here German’s Immigration Laws
The reform talks about The Opportunity Card, Point Based System like Australia and EU Blue Card,
The Opportunity Card:
The opportunity card could come as a savior that can bridge the gap of demand and supply of the skilled workforce in Germany.
What is an Opportunity card?
An opportunity card is a new regulated way of attracting skilled workers from non-EU countries to Germany.
Back in September 2022, The German government announced the plan to launch a new way of attracting international talents to Germany and coined the term Opportunity card (Chancenkarte).
When can you start applying?
The opportunity card is a new type of visa that is yet to be implemented.
You can expect to have this publicly available by late 2023.
Eligibility Criteria for an opportunity card
To be eligible for the opportunity card in Germany, you must satisfy the following conditions:
- Age: You should be under 35 years.
- Qualifications: A university degree or professionally qualified.
- Experience: You should hold at least 3 years of work experience.
- Language: Either German language or previous residency in Germany is required.
At least 3 of the 4 conditions should be met in order to be eligible for the opportunity card.
The more conditions you satisfy, the better chances you have.
Also, as this new type of visa is yet to be implemented, there is no full clarity around the exact eligibility criteria and how the points will be calculated.
Benefits of opportunity card for Germany
The opportunity card will definitely help Germany in attracting skilled foreign labour.
Companies in Germany usually prefer candidates who are already residing in Germany or at least in the European Union.
With the implementation of the opportunity card, talented professionals who are willing to work in Germany can move to Germany even without having an offer in hand.
This is similar to what the existing Jobseeker visa offers. Read further to understand the exact difference between the opportunity card and the jobseeker visa.
Drawbacks of the German opportunity card
Some of the shortcomings of the opportunity card are:
There will be an upper limit on how many opportunity cards will be allocated in a year. It basically means that there will be more applicants and less number of visas available each year under this category.
Not everyone is eligible for a visa under this scheme. You will be eligible only if you meet certain eligibility criteria as listed previously.
It might lead to additional verifications and bureaucracy leading to longer wait times for visa approval.
If you are an IT professional, you can usually get an English-speaking job in Germany. But, the eligibility criteria of the opportunity card will force you to learn German even if you might not need German proficiency in your job.
The age limit of 35 years is also a bit harsh criteria in my opinion.
Point Based System:
Points Test Germany: Citizens of Non-EU countries need a work permit to live and work in Germany. Up until recently this was only possible with a Blue Card Germany or by having skills in an occupation much needed in Germany. Now, immigration project PuMa makes immigration possible by way of a point-test. This project is expected to run up to September 2019 and is limited to the German State of Baden-Württemberg.
Immigrate to Germany with the Points-Test
There’s currently a minimum score of 100 points required. Points may be scored from the following criteria (any combination permitted):
- Mandatory knowledge of the German language (min. level required: A2): 25-50 points
- Well integrated relatives in Baden-Württemberg (up to second degree): 50 points
- Previous stay in Germany: 50 points
- Previous stay in the EU: 25 points
- Advanced stage of the knowledge of the French or English language: 25 points
You may score the 100 points with every combination, however ‘A2’ German language level is mandatory. Also, your skills and qualifications must be recognized in Germany.
As soon as above qualification and language conditions have been met and you score 100 points (or more) you’ll enter the pool of applications, to which employers of the region have access. You’ll be allowed to enter Germany and receive a work permit once you get a concrete job offer.
EU Blue Card:
Are you a highly-qualified worker wishing to work in an EU country?
EU Blue Card holder can enjoy. Some EU countries may offer other employment permits for highly-qualified workers in addition to the EU Blue Card. For detailed information on what rules are in use in a particular EU country, select your destination country on this map of the EUEN•••.
What is an EU Blue Card?
An EU Blue Card gives highly-qualified workers from outside the EU the right to live and work in an EU country, provided they have higher professional qualifications, such as a university degree, and an employment contract or a binding job offer for at least one year with a high salary compared to the average in the EU country where the job is. The EU Blue Card applies in 25 of the 27 EU countries. It does not apply in Denmark and Ireland. For information on rules for highly-qualified workers in these two countries, select the country on this map of the EUEN•••.
What conditions must I fulfil to apply for an EU Blue Card?
- You must prove that you have ‘higher professional qualifications’, by showing a higher education qualification (such as a university degree). Some Member States may also accept at least five years of relevant professional experience (see more in the FAQ section);
- You must work as a paid employee – the EU Blue Card does not apply to self-employed work or entrepreneurs;
- Your annual gross salary must be at least one and a half times the average national salary – except when the lower salary threshold applies;
- You must present a work contract or binding job offer in an EU country for at least one year;
- You must have the necessary travel documents. You must have health insurance for yourself and any relatives who come to the EU with you.
- You must prove that you fulfil the legal requirements to practice your profession, where this profession is regulated (see more on regulated professions in the FAQ section).
More on recognition of qualifications
Where can I apply?
You or your employer must submit an application for an EU Blue Card to the competent national authorities in the country where you wish to work. Depending on the rules in that country, you may have to pay an application fee.
How do I find a vacancy in the EU?
European employers use different services and communication tools to post their job vacancies. They can post them directly on their website or use other channels such as: public employment services, private employment agencies and recruitment agencies, specialized websites and publications, universities, etc.
What do you think, would this really help?
Source: OccupyGh.com
Tap To Join Our WhatsApp Community
You must be logged in to post a comment Login