Germany mulls raising skilled labour visas for Indians to 90,000; cabinet passes new measures

In August, the government slashed the processing time for long-term work visas for Indians from nine months to two weeks.

Germany, currently facing a workforce shortage, is looking to skilled Indian workers to help address this issue. According to a report by Mint, the country plans to increase labour visas for Indians to 90,000.

On October 16, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Cabinet approved a draft that includes several measures aimed at regulating and streamlining the migration process for Indian nationals.

"One million new people enter the labour market in India every month," said German Labour Minister Hubertus Heil.

Sectors such as IT, healthcare, and engineering are particularly in need of skilled workers.

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To streamline the migration process for skilled Indian workers, Germany plans to digitize visa applications by the end of 2024. This initiative could benefit nearly 400,000 skilled workers in Germany, according to Schengen.News.

Additionally, Germany is offering German language classes to those interested in relocating to the country. The German Labor Office has also announced that it will enhance its advisory services for Indian college students studying in Germany.

In August, the government reduced the processing time for long-term work visas for Indians from nine months to just two weeks.

According to a report by Business Standard, Germany's Labour Minister Heil, Chancellor Scholz, and other government representatives will visit India this week to promote Germany as an attractive destination for skilled workers.

"Germany views the influx of skilled Indian workers as a success story," Heil said, pointing out that Indians make up a significant proportion of Germany’s foreign workforce.

According to data published by the Federal Labour Ministry, number of Indians employed in skilled labour positions in 2015 was 23,000. The number now has reached 137,000 as of February 2024.

Germany is also planning to create more opportunities for Indian workers already in the country, as well as supporting entrepreneurs from India setting up businesses in Germany.