Germany has recently announced plans to introduce business visas for Pakistani nationals, aiming to strengthen trade relations between the two countries.
The announcement was made by the German Consul General in Karachi, Rüdiger Lotz, during a meeting with the president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), Atif Ikram Shaikh.
Lotz assured Shaikh that business visas would be prioritized for the Pakistani business community, signaling a positive step towards enhancing economic ties. In a meeting with the German travel business community, FPCCI Senior Vice President Saqib Fayyaz Magu highlighted areas of potential cooperation, such as women empowerment, startups, research and development, vocational training, and business tourism.
Magu also welcomed the appointment of Mahin Khan, a senior FPCCI member, as the German Consulate’s Focal Person on Trade and Investment for the Sindh and Balochistan region, indicating a commitment to fostering closer bilateral relations.
The German Consul General recognized Pakistan’s importance as a market for German companies, many of which have had a presence in the country and the region for over a century. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in the number of Pakistani applicants for German visas in recent years.
These developments come amidst Germany’s relaxation of visa restrictions for several countries and streamlining of immigration procedures, driven in part by labor shortages. One significant initiative is the introduction of the “Chancenkarte” or “Opportunity Card,” a points-based system for prospective job seekers, facilitating easier entry into the country and subsequent local employment.
Germany’s strong economy faces a labor shortage, with job vacancies reaching a record high of nearly 2 million in 2022. To sustain its industries and export levels, Germany requires approximately 400,000 immigrants annually, making initiatives like the business visas for Pakistani nationals a crucial step in addressing this challenge.
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