Berlin urgently needs Indian specialists: Giffey warns of a visa problem!

Berlin urgently needs Indian specialists: Giffey warns of a visa problem!

Berlin, Deutschland - The city of Berlin is hot to win new specialists - especially from India. Economic Senator Franziska Giffey recently urged to expand the business with Indian partners. She predicts that the need for specialists in Berlin is currently around 90,000 and could increase to around 400,000 in the coming years. In view of these figures, it becomes clear: Without specialists from abroad, it will be difficult to close this gap, and Berlin does not want to hold back there.

A central topic that appeals to Giffey is the oppressive bureaucracy that makes it difficult for Indian specialists to come to Germany. "Less bureaucracy and more welcome culture" demands them, because until a visa is granted, some Indian applicants wait months. These long waiting times are daunting, and Giffey makes it clear that Germany seems unbelievable when it takes specialists, but does not efficiently handle the visa process.

skilled worker strategy for India

In order to counter this challenge, the Federal Cabinet decided in October 2024 with a focus on India. This strategy, which was developed by Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs as well as the Federal Foreign Office, includes thirty specific measures to improve the recruitment of skilled workers. This includes, among other things, the reduction of bureaucratic hurdles and the digitization of visa procedures for Indian specialists.

The strategy also provides to intensify German lessons in India and to organize job fairs by the Federal Employment Agency. This is intended to help Indian students and specialists to be better integrated into the German labor market. It is also impressive that the number of social security employees has doubled Indians in Germany since 2020. These specialists are often highly qualified and earn quite well compared to other professional groups in Germany.

welcome culture in focus

Not only the bureaucratic hurdles have to be overcome. Giffey has also taken a look at the concerns of young Indians and Indians who are thinking about the current welcome culture in Germany, especially with regard to the right rate and the AfD. She wants India to recognize how important and welcome specialists are there. A planned foreign office in Bengaluru, which is scheduled to open in 2026, will certainly help to strengthen this message.

With a clear focus on the future and an open attitude towards Indian specialists, Berlin not only wants to increase its economic dynamics, but also ensure that the best talents choose a fresh start in Germany. It is undisputed that time is urgent.