Welcome Centers in Baden-Württemberg: “We guide people through the bureaucratic jungle”
Correct as of 01/06/2024
The Welcome Centres are the regional first point of contact for foreign skilled workers in Germany and often also for the companies that employ them. There are currently around 60 Welcome Centers in Germany, listed on “Make it in Germany” in the “Advisory & contact services in Germany” section. Dr Verena Andrei coordinates the centres in Baden-Württemberg and explained to us how foreign jobseekers are supported by the centres.
Ms Andrei, please introduce yourself!
Dr Verena Andrei, I have been head of the Welcome Center Stuttgart and the Stuttgart Region Welcome Service for economic development in the Stuttgart region since 2014. I also coordinate the Welcome Centers in Baden-Württemberg.
What is the role of the Welcome Centers and what issues do they advise on?
The Welcome Centers in Baden-Württemberg are the point of contact for skilled workers and students from abroad who are looking for work in Baden-Württemberg or are already employed here, as well as for their family members. We offer free, independent advice to migrants on issues such as settling in and individual career opportunities in our region, as well as information on administrative procedures – such as how to get an appointment with the foreigners authority. We work with all the main local authorities and direct people to the Federal Employment Agency (BA) or the recognition bodies, for example, when it comes to the recognition of a profession. You could say that we guide people through the bureaucratic jungle. We also organise events and build networks in our regions, including with institutions and companies, to improve processes and integration.
Do you also provide support to companies?
Yes. We advise and inform companies, especially SMEs, on all issues relating to the recruitment, employment and integration of foreign employees. We also advise companies on support programmes, how to obtain visas for their new international employees or how to provide language training for them.
How are the Welcome Centers in Baden-Württemberg organised?
Baden-Württemberg has 12 Welcome Centers, funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, to recruit skilled workers from abroad.
11 of these are Welcome Centers in the regions, which operate across all industries. There is also a Welcome Center for the social economy, i.e. regulated healthcare and social professions such as nursing and care professionals, doctors and early childhood educators, which operates throughout the federal state. The Welcome Centers in Baden-Württemberg are based at a variety of maintaining bodies ¬– business development agencies, chambers of commerce and industry, and municipalities, as well as social organisations.
What do you think will change with the introduction of the opportunity card?
More people from non-EU countries will be allowed to enter Germany to look for work. Recognition of foreign qualifications is no longer required. Previously, it was already possible for academics and job-seeking skilled workers with a recognised qualification, or for the purpose of seeking vocational training.
Now, a two-year qualification from the home country and a knowledge of German at level A1 CEFR (beginner) or a good knowledge of English (B2) may be sufficient – if, for example, the applicant has professional experience, is under 35, has had previous experience in Germany or has a partner who will accompany them and who meets the requirements for the opportunity card. Applicants must score a total of six points, which is now possible for more people.
Job trials and part-time work are now allowed with this residence permit – something employers have long been asking for. Job trials make it easier for candidates to enter the job market and allow employers to get to know them in a work context without any obligations. We also tell employers about these new opportunities to attract international talent.
From the point of view of advisors and authorities, the new Skilled Immigration Act (FEG) is about communicating the many different and sometimes new options to the public.
What support do opportunity card holders receive from the Welcome Centers when looking for a job?
Opportunity card holders are not a new target group for us. As in the past, we will continue to provide all job-seeking professionals who contact us with free information about their entry options, including the application process, how to find vacancies, job fairs, our guidance contacts and networks. We use a variety of formats to do this: advice at the Welcome Centers and in the region, information events in German and English, and we also organise our own trade fairs and make contact with companies.
What advice would you give to someone who arrives with an opportunity card and is looking for a job in Baden-Württemberg?
Contact the Welcome Center in the region or city where you are looking for a job. But I also always advise people to prepare while they are still abroad. Learn German, make and use your existing contacts, prepare your documents. Have your certificates translated abroad and find out as much information as possible, e.g. through “Make it in Germany”, our webinars and advice centres such as the pre-integration offices of the Goethe-Institutes abroad.
We thank Dr Andrei for her contribution!
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