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Germany Increases Visa Quota for Skilled Indian Professionals to 90,000 Annually
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that Germany has decided to significantly increase its annual visa quota for skilled Indian professionals from 20,000 to 90,000.
The decision was confirmed during bilateral talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is on a three-day visit to India. The discussions focused on strengthening trade ties between the two nations, which rank as the world’s fifth and third-largest economies, respectively.
Germany Welcomes Indian Talent
Chancellor Scholz, addressing the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2024, highlighted that Indians now form the largest group of foreign students in Germany, and that 23,000 more Indian workers entered the German labor market last year alone. This influx of skilled professionals is seen as a positive addition to Germany’s workforce, with the increased visa quota set to further enhance this talent pool.
However, Scholz also noted Germany’s efforts to reduce irregular migration, emphasizing that the country is open to skilled workers but will strictly regulate other forms of immigration.
India-EU Free Trade Agreement and Defence Cooperation
During the visit, Germany also reiterated its support for a free trade agreement between India and the European Union. Talks on this agreement resumed in June 2022 after an eight-year hiatus, and the leaders stressed its importance for boosting economic ties.
In addition to economic discussions, Scholz and Modi agreed to strengthen cooperation in defense and technology, aiming to bring their militaries closer together.
The leaders will co-chair the seventh Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) at Hyderabad House, where further discussions on bilateral cooperation are expected.
