The German government is strategically focusing on addressing its own labor market shortages.
With a surge in the number of Indian students enrolling in German universities, forming the largest international student community on German campuses, the German government is strategically focusing on addressing its own labor market shortages. According to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Indian students, numbering at 43,000, constitute the largest cohort of international students in Germany.
This burgeoning presence highlights the need to make the German labour market more appealing to Indian graduates, thus bridging the increasing gap in skilled workers.
During a recent press briefing in New Delhi, Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, President of DAAD, emphasized the significance of initiatives aimed at integrating Indian students into the German workforce. He underscored the importance of measures such as the Skilled Immigration Act, enacted following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. This act streamlines the pathway for Indian students holding German degrees, many of which are taught in English, to access employment opportunities not only in Germany but also in other Schengen area countries.
Federal Statistical Office of Germany data reveals a remarkable 26% growth in the number of Indian students in Germany over the past year, reaching 42,997 for the winter semester of 2022-23. Engineering remains the most sought-after field among Indian students, constituting 60% of enrollments, followed by law, management, and social studies at 22%, and mathematics and natural sciences at 14%.
This burgeoning presence highlights the need to make the German labour market more appealing to Indian graduates, thus bridging the increasing gap in skilled workers.
In a significant move, the German government, with the implementation of the new Act on March 1, 2024, has increased the permissible work hours for international students from outside the European Union. Previously capped at 10 hours per week, students are now allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. This regulation extends to prospective students exploring educational programs in Germany and those undergoing German language training courses, further enhancing opportunities for international students to integrate into the labor market.
The easing of restrictions and the proactive measures by the German government underscore its commitment to fostering international talent and addressing labor market needs. By providing a conducive environment for Indian students to pursue education and career prospects, Germany aims to not only attract skilled individuals but also foster a culture of brain circulation, facilitating mutual growth and development.
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