The German government has announced a significant reduction in visa processing times for skilled workers from India, aiming to address a severe labor shortage. Long-term visa processing times have been shortened from nine months to just two weeks, as confirmed by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. This change is designed to alleviate the delays affecting approximately 400,000 individuals awaiting national visas.
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Baerbock highlighted the critical need for skilled workers to support Germany’s Federal Agency for Foreign Affairs, which is the world’s largest national visa office. The move is expected to benefit not only businesses in Germany, which require quick visa processing for training and conferences but also Indian companies investing in Germany who need to send experts without delays.
Germany’s labor crisis has intensified, with the country needing at least 400,000 immigrants annually to sustain its economic activities and maintain export levels. In response, the government has introduced the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card), allowing foreign workers to enter Germany without a job offer and seek employment upon arrival. This initiative is part of Germany’s broader strategy to mitigate the impact of labor shortages and enhance its economic resilience.
