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Germany has introduced the Opportunity Card, a new visa scheme designed to help the country address its acute labour shortage. A picture of a German Visa and an African immigrant working in Germany used for illustration. The opportunity card will allow skilled workers from countries outside the European Union to immigrate to Germany without finding a job These workers will then be allowed to live in Germany for a year while looking for jobs. The scheme, known in German as the Chancenkarte, officially went into effect on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Why Germany is encouraging immigration of skilled workers Germany’s Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, announced the initiative, emphasising its importance for the country’s economic stability. The Opportunity Card is part of a broader legislative package designed to alleviate the skilled labour deficit that has been hampering various sectors of the German economy. “We are ensuring that workers and skilled workers that our economy has urgently needed for years can come to our country,” Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on Saturday as reported by DW. Eligibility criteria for Germany’s Opportunity Card Applicants for the Opportunity Card must meet specific criteria to qualify, including having at least two years of vocational training or a recognised university degree. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in either German or English. The selection process operates on a points-based system, evaluating applicants on language skills, professional experience, age, and their connections to Germany. To be eligible, applicants need to accumulate a minimum of six points. Interested individuals can find more details and apply online. How Kenyans can benefit from Opportunity Card Many Kenyans have been seeking jobs abroad, and many have lost money to scammers who claimed they could secure jobs for them in Germany. Kenyans needed to have a job before they could immigrate to Germany, but this is no longer necessary with the launch of the Opportunity Card. This is because once granted an Opportunity Card, individuals can enter Germany and search for a job for up to one year. During this period, they will be permitted to work part-time or in trial jobs for up to 20 hours per week. This flexibility allows applicants to support themselves financially while seeking full-time employment abroad.
by Elijah Ntongai