As Germany gears to woo foreign professionals, the influx of skilled migrants has already increased manifold. In a bid to retain its top position of being a global technology leader, the German government is doing all it can to bridge up the gap in the labour market of Europe's up most economy, for Germany knows too well, It is not Anyone, It is the Only One!The introduction of the EU Blue card scheme in August2012 is further enticing the skilled employees across the world. This is a law regarding the implementation of guidelines to call upon the highly qualified employees to the European Union. Apparently with its announcement, foreigners are flocking the German Embassies worldwide to avail the life time opportunity of working in a specialised and technology driven German environment.

The concept of Blue card is similar to the Green card in US, it aims at luring foreign professionals, managers and executives to work in Germany. However, unlike the US green card, the EU blue card is applicable only to a specific job category. Under the scheme, qualified staff from non EU countries can now apply for the right to work and reside in Germany provided they have a job salary of euro 44,800 or more annually, and in certain occupations of euro 34,944 for eg. scientists, mathematicians, engineers, doctors and IT specialists. However, if the employment lasts less than four years, the blue card is granted for the duration of the employment contract plus three additional months. The main advantage of blue card is that now the family members or spouses of blue card holders can accompany them at the same time and secure residence permits in Germany easily. The A1 language certificate is no longer required for getting spouse visa. Another salutary feature of it is that it entitles the family members of skilled professionals to work anywhere in Germany thus making it easier for the families to relocate to a new land without any hassle. Those holding the blue card can now receive permanent residence after 33 months, but this period can be favourably shortened to 21 months if B1 level of German language proficiency is proven. With the arrival of Blue card, highly qualified persons may even move to other EU countries after a period of 18 months. EU blue card holders can also stay outside EU upto 12 months without their residency permits becoming invalid. The implementation of Blue card has revised residency regulation for foreign students as well, they can now stay for 18 months instead of the previous 12 months after completing their studies to find a job. The provision comes as a big relief to the international students, they sure have a reason to applaud. That's a Blue Card Boon for them.

Besides, the German Govt's Immigration Act is largely focussed on making Germany, the prime hub of Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology thereby, attracting scientists, academicians and IT professionals in large numbers. Their policies are designed to rally support for German labour positions and to arouse curiosity among the international skilled workers about Germany. Infact, the policy doesn't restrict itself to IT alone, rather it caters to the wider issue of huge skill deficit across the economy amid an ageing workforce. Thanks! to the timely reforms in the immigration policies now it is much easier and quicker to gain permanent residency status for the highly skilled migrants. Statistics prove that the number of Indians applying for permanent residence permits is multiplying each year. No doubt, Germany with it's attractive immigration policies is steadily rising as the popular choice of international students and workers. Precisely, it won't be wrong to call it as the new benefactor of the ever increasing migrant group of skilled workers by providing them with value jobs, quality education and social benefits....a reason big enough to grab the eye balls.

Germany is the land of ideas and is counted among the most innovative countries of the world. With its plethora of internationally renowned institutions like RWTH University of technology, Fraunhofer- Gessellschaft for applied research, the Leibniz Gesellschaft, Helmholtz Association and many more, have made Germany a rich centre of cutting edge international science and research. It offers a very conducive and student friendly atmosphere. Among Indian students Germany has always been the most sought after academic pick with its over 350 state and private universities and a wide variety of courses. Of the 250,000 foreign students currently pursuing higher studies in Germany, around 5,998 are Indian. The exchange programs offered by India and Germany form the very constitution of Indo-German scholastic partnership. The task of providing information about advanced learning and research programs in German institutions, grants and scholarships is done through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It is a body responsible for the academic exchange between India and Germany. It invites Indian scientists to Germany and supports mutual research projects. In 2011, over 1200 Indian and 720 German students, academicians and scientists received financial aid for their study and research from the DAAD.

In the last decade the number of Indian students studying in German institutions has risen 5 times. For a specific segment of scholars, Germany forms the most preferred academic campus with its top rated research facilities and resources. Also, the cost of education here is relatively lower than most countries. German universities have affordable tuition fees since they are resubsidised by public funds. Moreover, international students who don't come from EU or EEA are allowed to work 120 full or 240 half days in a year, for this they need the authorisation from the Employment Agency ie The German Authorities. If they wish to work more than 120 full or 240 half days, the approval of the Employment Agency and The Aliens Department is required.

Through its appealing and timely reforms in immigration policies Germany is sending strong signals across the world that they are an open, flexible and immigrant friendly society characterised by 3 D's

• Dedication,

• Devotion and

• Discipline

With the dangers of economic recession prying into the affairs of even the most powerful of nations leaving them with jittery economies and their citizens jobless and with no job security. Under such circumstances, Germany is playing its trump card by pulling towards it, prospective work force from these debt stricken economies to fill up its labour shortfall.

If you are looking for a big leap in your mundane career, Go Germany!! So are you ready for the great migration? If Yes, 'Willkommen in Wunderland. Deutschland!'

For further information about Blue Card, you can visit the dedicated web page about Blue Card on trust7.com.