Germany’s new visa programme makes it easier for skilled workers to immigrate

Now might be the ideal time to give living in Germany a shot if you’ve always wanted to. Germany recently unveiled the Chancenkarte, or “Opportunity Card,” a new work visa that gives non-EU citizens a second chance to enter.

The Chancenkarte, which began accepting applications on June 1st, is a new point-based system that assigns scores to candidates based on a number of factors, such as their educational background, language proficiency, and prior work experience.

“[The Opportunity Card will make it easier and quicker for people with experience and potential to find a suitable job and get started,” Nancy Faeser, Germany’s Federal Minister of the Interior and Community, said in a statement to the BBC.

Individuals who are awarded the Opportunity Card are not dependent on an employer’s sponsorship and can reside in Germany for up to a year while seeking employment. People can lawfully work part-time while looking for a more permanent job with the card as well.

The country’s approach to tackling its increasing labor deficit has undergone a significant change, with the aim of augmenting the workforce in domains such as healthcare, education, engineering, and manufacturing.

The new card is much more than just a digital nomad visa; it allows non-EU citizens to expedite the German immigration process and look for work locally. This move has sparked intense debate among conservatives, who contend that it may make it possible for asylum seekers who have already been turned down to find employment in Germany.

The successful candidates will possess an officially recognized professional certification or academic degree in Germany, or they will meet a set of requirements that include years of professional experience, a specific age, and language proficiency—all of which carry a specific amount of points. To be eligible for the visa, applicants must score six points or higher on the rating system.

Additionally, they must provide evidence that they can afford to live expenses—at least €1,027 per month—while they look for work.

The new opportunity visa is intended for people who are already residing outside of the EU and in Switzerland, as Swiss nationals do not additionally need a visa for entry or a permit to work in Germany, as EU residents are already allowed to live and work in Germany.

The Chancenkarte is set up to favour non-EU citizens with connections to the country, as extra points are available for those who have German language skills or have studied in a German school.

Source; BBC