1 October :Germany is offering significant employment opportunities for skilled professionals, with around 650,000 vacancies currently available across the country. The shortage of workers is creating opportunities for qualified professionals seeking jobs, career development and the possibility of long-term residence in Germany.
Clint Khan, director at Y-Axis, shared the figures during a fireside chat at the Gulf News LevelUp conference held recently at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Dubai.
According to Khan, the European Union currently has around 3 million vacant positions, with Germany accounting for approximately 650,000 of them—around 25% of the total vacancies across the bloc.
One of the key routes for skilled workers seeking to enter Germany is the Opportunity Card, a residence permit designed primarily for jobseekers. It allows citizens of non-EU countries to stay in Germany for up to 12 months to look for employment, even without having a job contract in advance, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Opportunity Card holders can search for jobs after arriving in Germany and are also permitted to undertake part-time employment during their job search. If they subsequently secure full-time employment and the employer agrees to sponsor them, they may be able to switch to an appropriate work residence permit.
The Opportunity Card operates under a points-based system. Applicants generally need a recognised academic or vocational qualification, sufficient financial resources to cover their living expenses and the required number of points. Points are awarded based on factors including professional qualifications, work experience, age and language skills.
Skilled workers with foreign educational qualifications recognised in Germany may also qualify for the Opportunity Card, subject to specific requirements.
Source: Gulf News