Open-door policy for academics

German policy makers have again stretched out a welcoming hand to international academics. Both houses of parliament have passed a European Directive which further expands present opportunities for students and researchers from non-EU countries.

In future, foreign students will be permitted to work part-time for 120 instead of 90 days per year. The time period to look for qualified jobs after graduation will be extended from 12 to 18 months. While seeking employment, foreign graduates can work without time limit and are no longer obliged to ask for approval by the German Federal Employment Agency (BA).

Anyone able to present an employment contract as an academic or qualified professional with a minimum salary of around €44,800 (around €35,000 for certain shortage occupations) may work in Germany for up to 4 years using a so-called ''Blue Card''. Another novelty is that foreign academics will be eligible for a settlement permit (indefinite right of residence) after two years. Family members of foreign skilled employees will also find it easier to take up employment, for example by no longer requiring the approval of the BA.

In 2011, Germany was a particularly popular destination for people seeking a new life abroad. According to the Federal Office of Statistics, around 6.93 million people with foreign citizenship lived in Germany at the end of 2011, which is 177,300 more than a year earlier. The increase of 2.6 percent was the highest in 15 years. “Deutsche Welle” reports that the jump may be due to Germany’s economic growth and the freedom of movement granted to citizens of the new EU states.

Link: http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15864426,00.html

Chris

germanstudycentre@gmail.com