There is particular interest in the new opportunity map in India, China, Pakistan and Turkey. Unlike other forms of labor migration, you do not have to present an employment contract.
Around 550 people per month have used the new option for a visa to look for work in Germany since the regulation came into force. As the Federal Ministry of the Interior announced upon request, almost 2,500 corresponding visas were issued between June 1st and October 17th. “Bild” had previously reported on this.
The ministry still sees a lot of potential in the opportunity card as a new instrument to arouse interest in working in Germany among skilled workers who do not meet all the requirements for a regular employment title, said a spokesman. With over 780 visas, India is by far the country in which the most Opportunity Card visas were issued. Other important countries of origin are China, Turkey and Pakistan.
The prerequisite for the opportunity card is at least two years of professional training recognized by the state in the country of origin or a corresponding university degree as well as language skills in German or English. Depending on their language level, professional experience, age and connection to Germany, interested parties receive points that entitle them to receive the Opportunity Card. There are also points for qualifications in shortage occupations. Anyone who has enough points can come to Germany and then has a year to look for a permanent job. Under certain conditions, a one-time extension of two years is possible.
Green politician complains about “overregulation”
The Green Party’s domestic politician Misbah Khan suspects that the opportunity card would be used even more if the hurdles associated with issuing a visa were not so high. The Bundestag member says: “The current figures show once again that panic over too much immigration and the resulting over-regulation are not good guides for a successful migration policy.”
A feasibility study commissioned by the federal government and recently sent to members of parliament recommends centralizing the processes that are currently distributed across many positions so that skilled immigration to Germany works better in the future. The immigration authorities would largely be left out of the proposed procedure. The authors of the study estimate that up to 40 percent of processing time can be saved. Government circles said the study offered interesting approaches to how employment migration could be made more efficient and customer-friendly.
Source: Stern
