The recent enactment of a new law in Germany has significantly eased the employment process for over 450,000 international students. The Skilled Immigration Law, which takes effect on March 1, 2024, aims to address labour shortages in important industries such as technology, health, and the economy. This legislation aims to expand employment opportunities for international students and address labour shortages by allowing them to work for more days.
As per the statement from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), the previous annual working day limit for international students was 120 full days or 240 half days. However, this limit has now been increased to 140 full days or 280 half days. Additionally, international students, including those in preparatory stages, are now eligible to hold a second job.
Entry and residence permits will continue to be issued for third-country nationals. Moreover, prospective students can engage in part-time jobs while searching for a study place. However, the limit on work will be 20 hours per week.
Implementing these changes, Germany has become the third most popular destination for international students, following the US and the UK. Over the past decade, it has been observed that international student enrollment in Germany grew by 28 percent.
Currently, there are approximately 458,210 international students in Germany. A significant number of students originate from India (42,578), China (39,137), and Syria (15,563). A survey was conducted by Expatrio and Deutsche Gesellschaft Internationaler Studierender (DEGIS) in late 2021. As per the survey, 45 percent of participants did not consider any other study destination besides Germany.
The second stage of the Skilled Worker Immigration Law was already released on March 1, 2024, and the third stage will come into effect on June 1, 2024. Further, the new law will bring new changes, like the introduction of the job search opportunity card.
