Germany has taken a significant step to attract skilled workers from India by drastically reducing the processing time for long-term visas. According to Schengen News, the waiting period for Indian applicants has been slashed from nine months to just two weeks. This move, announced by Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, underscores the country’s urgent need for skilled professionals to fuel its economy.
Baerbock emphasized the importance of skilled workers in supporting Germany’s economic growth. “The Federal Agency for Foreign Affairs is the biggest visa office for national visas worldwide already today. And we urgently need skilled workers also here who can continue to support this. In India, in Delhi, we have thus been able to reduce waiting times for national visas to two weeks. That used to take nine months,” she stated.
Germany’s decision to expedite visa processing comes amidst a concerning labor shortage. The German Economic Institute (IW) reported that the country had around 570,000 job vacancies in 2023. This shortage not only hinders economic productivity but also delays training and conference invitations for skilled professionals due to prolonged visa procedures. Moreover, Indian companies investing in Germany rely on expedited visa issuance to bring their specialists to the country.
The IW predicts that the lost production potential from unfilled jobs could reach €74 billion by 2027. Despite a ‘Visa Acceleration Action Plan’ launched in 2023 by the Foreign Ministry, the IW expressed concerns about its effectiveness and potential economic loss.
The urgency to attract skilled workers is evident in the increasing number of employment-related visas issued. According to data from the Federal Foreign Office, Germany granted 80,000 employment-related visas from January to June 2024. Skilled workers comprised 50 percent of the beneficiaries, with 40,000 visas issued, marking a 3,000 increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Beyond the economic benefits, the move strengthens the India-Germany relationship. India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently met with German MPs Jurgen Hardt and Ralph Brinkhaus in Delhi, highlighting the strong and consistent support for growing bilateral ties. Additionally, the German Air Force conducted its first joint exercise with the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Silur, Tamil Nadu, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Germany’s decision to expedite visas for Indian skilled workers demonstrates its commitment to addressing the labor shortage, stimulating economic growth, and strengthening its ties with India. The move is expected to significantly impact both countries, creating new opportunities for collaboration and development.
