Immigration Series: All about Germany’s Triple Win programme for nurses

Germany is reeling under a critical shortage of skilled staff, specially in the nursing sector. (Photo: Martha Dominguez de Gouveia via Unsplash)

Germany is reeling under a critical shortage of skilled staff, specially in the nursing sector. Currently, the country has a shortage of nearly 150,000 nurses and the shortage number is expected to go up to 500,00o by 2030. There are not enough qualified nurses available to meet the high level of demand and to fill this critical gap, the German Federal Employment Agency’s International Placement Services (ZAV) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH set up the Triple Win Programme in 2013 targeting nurses from Vietnam, the Philippines and India (specifically nurses from Kerala).

The Federal Employment Agency and GIZ jointly place qualified nurses from abroad for work in Germany. The programme is implemented based on an agreement between the German Federal Employment Agency (BA) and Norka Roots on the selection and the placement of nursing professionals.

The licensed nurses from Kerala obtain language and technical training for working in Germany and receive support to start life and work in Germany. Once in Germany, they embark on the process of having their qualifications recognised within 12 months.

Triple Win: one programme, three benefits

1. In Germany, the nurses from Kerala have employment opportunities and scope for professional and personal development. Agreed standards in labour contracts ensure fair working conditions and equal pay.
2. To ensure the process is sustainable and fair, the Federal Employment Agency and GIZ cooperate only with partner countries that have a surplus of trained nurses. In the long term, Kerala nurses working in Germany may contribute to knowledge transfer to their home country.
3. In Germany, hospitals and elderly care homes are able to access well-trained nurses, helping them to overcome the skills shortage in the German labour market.

Organisation of the programme

On the German side, the International Placement Services (ZAV) of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) is responsible for selection and placement, while in Kerala, Norka Roots is responsible – a registered Government company under Government of Kerala. In a cooperation arrangement with BA, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH provides support for the Indian partner administration, as well as for the nurses’ professional and language skills preparations, and it assists their integration in Germany.

The process in Kerala: Applicants need to undergo the following process in Kerala

• Recruitment: Programme Interview
• Training and Recognition: Language course from A1 to B1 conducted in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (at training centres that are commissioned by GIZ), Professional Nursing Orientation, Preparation of recognition documents.
• Pre-Deployment: Matching process, Employer’s Interview, Employment Contract, Medical check-up and measles vaccination, Work Visa, Departure Preparation

Integration into Germany

GIZ provides Triple Win candidates support after their arrival in Germany and monitors their integration through an integration advisor. GIZ, during a one-day visit, helps with the obligations of candidates towards state administrations. In the case of special issues during the first year of employment, the professional staff and the employer can contact GIZ and ZAV who offer counseling and referral.

How and where can I apply?

Norka Roots publishes the dates of the selection rounds in an advertisement. Applicants can apply through the Norka Roots’ website.

Criteria for application

Applicants need to fulfil the following criteria:

Graduated from accredited nursing education institution in India and holding one of the following Qualifications: Diploma in General Nursing & Midwifery (GNM): Registered Nurse/Midwifery, Bachelor of Science in Nursing B.Sc (Basic), Indian Nurse Registration Certificate.

• Legal age of 18 years
• Proof of a German language level of at least B1 at the time of visa application.

Documents required:

• Curriculum Vitae in English
• Motivation Letter in English
• Legalised Copy of Diploma Certificate in Nursing
• Legalised Copy of Academic transcript
• Legalised Copy of Nurse Registration Certificate
• Legalised Copy of Reference from previous employer (if applicable)
• Passport Copy
• If available: German language certificate as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

How long is the residence permit valid? The working visa is valid for one year. It will change to a resident permit once the nurses pass their recognition and B2 exam in Germany. After 5 years, this visa can be converted into a permanent resident permit.

Bringing family to Germany: Family reunification is generally possible, if all the necessary conditions, such as the existence of sufficient income and suitable accommodation, are met. The decision on this is made by the responsible immigration authority, who can provide detailed information on this topic. Spouses and children must apply for family reunification at the responsible German embassy before leaving the country.

Fee to participate in the programme: The placement, language and technical preparation and integration assistance are for free for applicants.

Applicants are required to undergo a medical examination and complete measles vaccination before departure. The programme Triple Win will bear the associated costs.