Germany has introduced a new digital platform to streamline the visa application process for Nigerians seeking opportunities to work, study, or reunite with family members in the country.

German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock hailed the portal as a significant step towards addressing the nation’s pressing need for skilled professionals.

“Every year, Germany is short of at least 400,000 skilled workers. 400,000 clever minds and even more agile hands to keep our country running – in the skilled crafts sector, in the care sector, in tech companies. Our national economy is also in a global competition to attract trainees, apprentices, and students.

“At times like these, we cannot afford to downright put the best off coming here to roll up their sleeves because of long paper application forms and even longer waiting periods.

“At times like these, as one of the biggest economies and as a modern country of immigration, we need a national visa process that is state-of-the-art – modern, digital and secure,” Baerbock stated.

The online portal, accessible worldwide, offers applicants the ability to choose from 28 categories of national visas and is available at all 167 German visa offices around the globe.

This initiative forms part of Germany’s broader strategy to modernise its immigration system, aiming to attract skilled professionals while fostering a more inclusive and efficient process to meet the challenges of a globalised job market.