THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
In June 2024, Germany introduced the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), a new visa category aimed at attracting skilled workers from non-EU countries without requiring an employment contract. Since its launch, approximately 2,500 Opportunity Cards have been issued, with Indian nationals receiving the most—780—followed by applicants from China, Turkey, and Pakistan, according to the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
To qualify for an Opportunity Card, applicants must meet several criteria, including relevant qualifications, language skills, professional experience, ties to Germany, and age. Applicants accumulate points for these factors, with additional points awarded for further achievements. Those with at least six points are eligible for the card, granting a one-year stay in Germany to seek employment, provided they can financially support themselves. Opportunity Card holders may also work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, during their job search.
Despite the card’s popularity, Green Party member Misbah Khan argues that even more applicants would apply if the visa process were simplified, citing excessive regulations as a barrier to effective migration policy. Germany’s economy needs an estimated 400,000 new workers annually, particularly in healthcare and tech sectors. A recent study has suggested streamlining the immigration process to attract skilled labor, potentially reducing processing times by 40%, though this would limit immigration authorities’ discretion.
Here’s what should know about the Chancenkarte:
- It enables jobseekers to come to Germany to look for employment. The conditions are that applicants’ foreign qualifications are fully recognised and are therefore considered as “skilled workers” under the relevant provisions of the German Labour Law. Other applicants must possess a foreign university degree, a vocational qualification of at least two years’ duration and a basic knowledge of German (level A1) or English (level B2)
- Grant of the opportunity card is based on a points system. Points are awarded for criteria such as recognition of qualifications in Germany, language skills, professional experience, age, links to Germany, and the potential of accompanying partners or spouses. Applicants must score a minimum of six points to receive an opportunity card.
- Opportunity cards are issued for a maximum of one year, provided that the holder is able to support themselves for that period. It allows the holder to do work trials or take up secondary employment for a maximum of 20 hours per week during their stay in Germany.
Femi Awoniyi
According to the figures published by the Federal Interior Ministry,
