All articlesGermany has announced a significant increase in its annual visa allocation for skilled Indian workers, raising the quota from 20,000 to 90,000, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The decision reflects Germany’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation with India and fostering a skilled workforce exchange between the two economies.
The announcement came as PM Modi hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in New Delhi during Scholz’s three-day official visit. The leaders are co-chairing the seventh Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) at Hyderabad House, covering key areas of trade, investment, and defence collaboration between the world’s fifth and third largest economies, respectively.
Chancellor Scholz, speaking at the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2024, highlighted the rising number of Indian professionals and students in Germany, noting that the Indian workforce had grown by 23,000 over the past year alone. Indian students also make up the largest group of foreign students in Germany, contributing significantly to the country's labour market.
To support this increased intake, Scholz announced a revamped visa application process, featuring digitization and expedited processing times to make the experience more user-friendly. He emphasised that Germany remains committed to skilled immigration but also seeks to control unauthorised migration. “Germany is open to skilled workers, but we reserve the right to determine who comes,” Scholz said, adding that Germany is focused on facilitating the return of those without the right to stay.
Alongside visa and migration discussions, Scholz expressed support for an India-EU free trade agreement, with talks resuming after an eight-year pause. He underscored Germany's dedication to deepening defence cooperation with India, including closer military coordination.
Marking the 25th anniversary of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, PM Modi expressed optimism for the future. “The next 25 years will take this partnership to new heights,” he stated, outlining a shared vision for a prosperous India and a stronger bilateral relationship.
🇩🇪 Germany28 Oct 20242 min readsitemanager
Germany Expands Visa Quota for Skilled Indian Workers to 90,000, Speeds Up Application Process
Germany has announced a significant increase in its annual visa allocation for skilled Indian workers, raising the quota from 20,000 to 90,000, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.