Germany Reduces Visa Processing Time for Indian Skilled Workers.
The German government has significantly shortened the visa processing time for skilled workers from India. The waiting period for long-term visas has dropped from nine months to just two weeks.
The Federal Agency for Foreign Affairs is currently the largest visa office for national visas worldwide. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the need for skilled workers in Germany. She noted that the reduction in waiting times for national visas in Delhi is a crucial step in addressing labor shortages.
“German companies depend on quick visa issuance to fill labor gaps, especially for training courses and conferences,” Baerbock said. She also pointed out that Indian companies investing in Germany need prompt visa approvals to send specialists to the country.
Baerbock highlighted the importance of fostering a welcoming culture, which should begin at embassies and visa offices and extend throughout society, including local communities.
Germany faces a significant labor shortage, with the German Institute (IW) reporting 570,000 unfilled jobs in 2023. This shortage is hindering the economy, which could function more efficiently with a larger workforce. Faster visa processing can help attract workers and potentially revitalize Germany’s economy, often referred to as “the sick man of Europe.” IW estimates that the lost production potential could reach €74 billion by 2027.
80,000 Work Visas Granted in Early 2024
The Federal Foreign Office reported that Germany issued over 80,000 work visas between January and June 2024. Skilled workers were the primary recipients, with 40,000 national visas granted to this group—3,000 more than in the same period last year.
This initiative is part of the “Visa Acceleration Action Plan” launched by the Foreign Ministry in 2023. However, the German Economic Institute (IW) has cautioned that while this plan aims to improve the situation, it could also lead to potential economic losses amounting to €49 billion.
