Germany opens new job opportunities for Pakistanis

ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis who are looking for employment abroad have wide job opportunities in the nursing sector in Germany.

According to the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE), Germany is facing a severe shortage of trained nurses due to an aging population and an increase in the average age.

Pakistani nurses who hold a valid diploma or degree can apply for a job in Germany.

For this, first of all, their educational and professional qualifications must be officially approved by the German authorities.

According to BEOE, approval of the degree, learning the German language and fulfilling other conditions have been made mandatory for employment.

In view of this situation, the government and the health sector are paying special attention to the recruitment of foreign nurses, who are playing an important role in various hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and home care institutions in the country.

People in the nursing field can find employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, home care, rehabilitation centers and palliative care.

Their responsibilities include caring for patients, preparing medical records, implementing treatment instructions, supporting the medical team, and helping patients with daily needs such as personal hygiene, nutrition, mobility and precautions.

Nursing in Germany is a regulated profession, so in order to work permanently, it is necessary to obtain a professional permit from the relevant government agency. For this purpose, the foreign nursing degree or diploma must first be recognized in Germany.

The applicant has two options for this process. One is for the relevant institution to compare the foreign educational qualifications with the German standard. If there is a difference in the educational standard, the candidate must complete a knowledge test or training period.

The second option is for the candidate to enroll directly in a training program, which makes the approval process relatively faster and less expensive, but in this case, previous experience and additional training are not taken into account.

According to the authorities, candidates must also be fluent in German and must present a certificate of at least B2 level.

In addition, a medical certificate of physical and mental health, while proof of good character and no criminal record must also be provided.

Citizens of the European Union, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland do not need a visa to work in Germany, but citizens of other countries must obtain a residence permit.

German authorities have clarified that the EU Blue Card does not apply to the nursing sector.

If a candidate’s professional credentials are not fully recognized, he or she can obtain a special visa for the recognition of foreign qualifications.

In addition, through the Recognition Partnership and Opportunity Card, it is also possible to go to Germany to find a job and complete the professional recognition process, provided that the candidate meets the relevant conditions.

The German government has also established several official recruitment programs, placement agencies and career guidance centers to guide and find employment for foreign nurses in order to meet the growing need for a workforce in the health sector.