Advantages for applicants
In their respective home countries, many migrants have gained a vocational qualification which is in urgent demand in Germany. However, until now, it has been very difficult for German employers to assess foreign qualifications correctly. The result: people with foreign qualifications often do not find employment in Germany or are forced to take jobs which are not appropriate to their actual qualifications.
The German Recognition Act tackles this situation. It creates clarity and transparency and provides many migrants in Germany with better professional prospects.
Immigration of skilled workers
Please find out whether a recognition procedure is a precondition for immigration to Germany in your case. This is often the case if you want to work in Germany. Further information is provided by the portal "Make It In Germany".
Background
In certain regions and sectors of Germany, the demographically-induced lack of skilled personnel is already becoming noticeable. It is therefore all the more important to make optimal use of the qualification potential of the migrants living here and to address qualified specialists from all over the world.
The Recognition Act makes the recognition of foreign vocational qualifications in Germany more consistent, more efficient and more transparent. From 1st April 2012, anyone who has a recognised national qualification acquired abroad can have it examined to determine to what extent his qualification is equivalent to a comparable German qualification. This will make it easier for employers to assess the foreign vocational qualification and will increase the opportunities for migrants on the German employment market.
There are already about 300,000 people living in Germany who could benefit from the new law. In addition, there are many thousands of skilled foreign workers immigrating to Germany every year.
Advantages at a glance
- With their equivalency notifications, applicants receive an official and legally binding document in German language confirming that their foreign qualification is equivalent to the corresponding German reference qualification.
- The equivalency notifications enable applicants to apply directly to German employers and thereby increase their chances of finding a job.
- In cases of full equivalency, an applicant has equal legal standing as holders of the corresponding German reference qualification.
- In cases of partial equivalency, the qualifications gained and the knowledge lacking are described in detail in the notification. This makes it possible to undergo targeted further education and subsequent qualification and, where appropriate, make a renewed application at a later date.