The European Union political arrangement employs a uniform policy on immigration for skilled nationals outside Europe called the “EU blue card”. In countries like Germany with high immigration rates due to the comparatively low cost of living and the variety of employment options, policies around immigration are friendly to foreign nationals who desire to work, study, and experience European culture. With reasonable tuition and a variety of scholarship opportunities, Germany is a popular choice for overseas students seeking top-notch degrees. For IT experts in particular, working in Germany is a wise investment. Germany provides immigrants with a variety of opportunities based on their qualifications. The EU blue card is a valid visa to work in Germany and as a member of the European Union, Germany utilizes the EU blue card to serve its interests as a country.

WHAT IS THE EU BLUE CARD?

The E.U Blue card is a work and residence permit for non-EU and non-EEA (European Economic Area) citizens that provides the opportunity for highly skilled workers to live and work in the E.U after meeting specific qualifications. The EU Blue Card applies to 25 out of 27 countries of the EU except Ireland and Denmark. The E.U blue card provides comprehensive socio-economic rights and E.U citizenship. Foreign nationals who desire to reside and work in the European Union require a university degree equivalent to the host Nation's standards, and an employment contract or a binding job offer for at least one year with a high salary compared to the average salary in the EU nation where the job is located. 

WORKING IN GERMANY WITH THE EU BLUE CARD.

The benefit of the Blue Card is that member states of the European Union can modify it without impairing 

essential elements. The prerequisites for acquiring a blue card remain unchanged in Germany. An applicant should make sure they fulfill the following requirements:

       - Must possess a degree from an accredited university.

       - A job offer that meets your qualifications and allows you to earn a gross income of at least €45,300 must come from a German employer.

       - Individuals in "Bottleneck Professions," a category for occupations where skilled workers are scarce, receive a modified income distribution. Employees in the bottleneck professions must make at least €41,041.80 per year, and employment approval is still pending with the Federal Employment Agency (BA). Candidates must have a job offer that is good for at least six months.

Within the first three years of obtaining the EU blue card, candidates are allowed to hunt for another employment if they lose their existing one. Otherwise, immigrants will have to leave the country. The application process takes ninety days to complete. The EU blue card has a three-year expiration date, however, it may be extended if the job contract is renewed.

HOW TO GET AN EU BLUE CARD TO WORK IN GERMANY  

The process of acquiring an EU blue card is made convenient through an online application and visiting the German foreign Mission in your resident country. All applications for Visas go through the federal foreign office Consular Services Portal. Obtaining an EU Blue card involves the following steps:

         - Complete the Online Application: Interested applicants of the EU Blue Card can complete the application form on the Consular Services Portal. In this portal, applicants are required to pick the category they belong to, either as a Professional with a University degree, a skilled worker with a tertiary education qualification, or as an IT specialist. After that Applicants will be required to choose their resident country and submit all relevant documentation for preliminary review.

         - Preliminary review:   At this stage, all relevant documents are reviewed to avoid discrepancies and ensure validity. If in the scenario where some documentation is missing, it will be clarified via the consular services portal.

         - In-person appointment: After all documents correspond, the in-person interview will commence to validate the identity of the applicant and capture the biometrics. Applicants will be required to pay an application fee of €140. The processing time usually takes up to 3 months or a few weeks depending on the number of applications.

 

GERMAN IMMIGRATION UPDATES.

As of November 18, 2023. The German parliament, the Bundestag, revised the Skilled Immigration Act which aims to remove barriers to skilled immigrants from outside the European Union. These new policies are favorable to immigrants and offer a lot of opportunities. They are;

1. Applicants who meet the prerequisites of having an EU blue card such as having a university degree vocational experience, and other qualifications are no longer required to be restricted to a profession that aligns with their training and qualifications, except for regulated professions.

2. Germany gives skilled people the chance to be with their families again. It is not necessary to present proof of having enough living space. Families and, in most situations, in-law parents are also welcome to immigrate with their spouses provided they are German permanent residents. These adjustments take effect in March 2024.

 

STUDYING IN GERMANY.

German educational institutions offer excellent education at minimal or no cost to international students. In addition, you can work while studying. Students now have more options to work due to the new immigration laws. There has been an increase in working hours from 120 full days or 240 half days to 140 full days or 280 half days. student employees can work for up to 20 hours per week.

Prospective students still looking for admission in German institutions are eligible for entry and residence permits. These prospective students will also be able to work for 20 hours per week while still looking for a place to study.

 

FUTURE PLANS

Plans are underway in Germany to launch the "Job Search Opportunity Card." The goal of this program is to allow job seekers to continue their job search in Germany. Non-EU/EEA nationals may be eligible provided that their foreign degrees are accepted and regarded as "skilled workers." Evidence of a foreign university degree, a vocational qualification of at least two years or a vocational qualification issued by a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad, and a basic understanding of German (level A1 CEFR) or English (level BE CEFR) are the prerequisites for obtaining a Job Search Opportunity Card. Those who apply and fulfill these conditions will be awarded points. An Opportunity Card can be obtained with a minimum of six points and can be used for up to a year.

To sum up, Germany's immigration laws are a reflection of its desire for competent immigrants to integrate into the country's diverse population. Germany has many opportunities, which makes it a popular place for foreigners to live and work. Germany is renowned for its great standard of living, emphasis on work-life balance, and availability of professional networking possibilities. Additionally, immigrants will gain valuable experience from Germany's historical significance as a major actor in European history.