Germany has signed an agreement with Colombia to facilitate work migration for citizens of the country.
Announcing the news, the Minister of Interior of Germany, Nancy Faeser, said that in line with the joint declaration of intent, Germany will recruit qualified workers and specialists from Colombia and will make it easier for them to reach the country for work purposes, Schengen.News reports.
Through this agreement, Germany wants to put an end to irregular migration and instead promote legal migration of workers who will help the country deal with labour shortages.
To be able to attract more skilled workers and specialists from Colombia, Germany said that it will offer training and study opportunities. The country will also immediately hire those who are urgently needed in different sectors, especially in healthcare.
We are offering opportunities for training and study in Germany and recruiting well-qualified workers that we urgently need in many areas, from skilled trades to care.
Minister Faese further noted that this cooperation is in mutual interest, stressing that the move will help Colombians find jobs in the EU country and Germany to tackle irregular migration.
Special Representative of the Federal Government for Migration Agreements, Dr Joachim Stamp, also shared the same opinion, saying that another important foundation stone for migration cooperation is being laid.
I am pleased that we were able to reach an agreement on this in such a short time. Both sides have the same interests: We want to promote scientific, labour and educational migration and take consistent action against irregular migration.
High Number of Colombians Are Currently Working in Germany
Welcoming the declaration of intent, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Jorge Rojas, said that the move is very important for the country’s citizens.
The same stressed that there are currently around 14,000 Colombians in Germany employed in jobs that are subject to social insurance.
Rojas further noted that there are also about 3,500 Colombian students and 500 researchers in Germany.
Germany has concluded several other similar agreements on migration. So far, agreements have been signed with India, Georgia, Kenya, and Uzbekistan.
Moreover, the country has also had a comprehensive migration partnership with Morocco since the beginning of this year.
As for the other countries, the German authorities said that the government is in talks and negotiations, but it did not reveal which other countries it plans to reach similar agreements with.