If you are a Nigerian planning to leave Nigeria to work in Europe, here is a great opportunity for you to achieve your plan. Germany has introduced the Opportunity Card to attract skilled workers from non-EU countries, such as Nigeria, to explore job opportunities in Germany. This program was announced on June 1, 2024, by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office Consular Services Portal. The Opportunity Card allows individuals from countries outside the European Union to apply for a residence permit to enter Germany for the purpose of searching for employment.
The Opportunity Card is a one-year residence permit that enables holders to look for qualified jobs in Germany. If the cardholder secures employment during their stay, they can then apply for a new residence permit to either continue their job search or start working, subject to approval by the local foreigners’ authority in Germany.
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Key Requirements:
- Recognition of Professional Qualifications: Applicants must provide evidence that their professional qualifications are recognized in Germany or their home country.
- Financial Means: Applicants need to show they have enough money to support themselves while in Germany, usually at least €1,027 per month (as of 2024). This can be proven through a blocked account or a letter of commitment.
- Work Permission: During the job search phase, applicants are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week and try out jobs for up to two weeks to get to know potential employers.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following basic requirements based on a points system:
- Education/Training: completion of a degree or at least two years of state-recognized training.
- Language Skills: German language skills at least at level A1 or English language skills at least at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- Financial Resources: Applicants must have enough funds to cover living expenses during their stay in Germany.
Application Process for Nigerians
Nigerian applicants should follow the guidelines provided by Germany’s diplomatic missions in Nigeria for visa applications.
To apply for a visa, applicants must go to the German mission that covers their area of residence.
If online application services are not available, applicants should apply in person at the appropriate German mission.
More information can be found on the websites of the German missions in Nigeria.
This innovation is part of a larger trend where foreign countries are looking for skilled workers globally. There has been a noticeable increase in Nigerian healthcare workers moving to countries like the UK, Canada, and the US.
For the latest information and updates, applicants are advised to check the official websites of Germany’s diplomatic missions.
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