Visa
How to Get a German Opportunity Card From Bangladesh
With its work-life balanced culture and high quality of life, Germany stands out as an attractive destination for Bangladeshis seeking professional opportunities. The thriving economy of the country, a member of the EU (European Union), offers excellent prospects for skilled workers. The recent introduction of the Opportunity Card has streamlined the process, making it a more structured and accessible pathway for qualified professionals. This article offers a comprehensive guide to obtaining the German Opportunity Card from Bangladesh, covering key details on eligibility criteria and application procedures.
What is the German Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity Card is a permit that allows skilled workers from countries outside the EU, EEA (European Economic Area), or Switzerland to enter Germany for employment purposes. As a residence permit, it is valid for up to one year, during which the cardholder must secure employment. To obtain the card, applicants must provide proper proof of eligibility for the relevant employment.
Who is Eligible for the German Opportunity Card?
The card is primarily issued to two types of citizens from non-EU, EEA, or Swiss countries:
1. Individuals with a fully recognized German professional or educational qualification:Applicants must have an educational or professional certificate recognized in Germany, either from a home-country institution recognized by Germany or from an institution located in Germany.
2. Those who are not yet established workers but meet specific conditions:Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Hold an academic degree from a German university or a university recognized by Germany in their home country.
- Have completed at least two years of vocational training from an institution in Germany or one recognized by Germany in the home country.
- Demonstrate language proficiency: at least level A1 in German or level B2 in English according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). An IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.5 or a TOEFL IBT score of 72 to 94 is equivalent to CEFR level B2.
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German Opportunity Card Point System
Applicants under Category 2 must meet a point-based system to increase their chances of receiving the card. Achieving a minimum of six points is necessary. The points are distributed as follows:
Equivalence of Qualifications (4 points):
Four points are awarded if the completed degree or training is partially equivalent. For professions requiring a license, four points are given before licensure, but the license test must be passed before the residence permit is granted.
Eligibility for Shortage Occupations (1 point):
One point is awarded for degrees or vocational training in shortage professions in the German job market, such as mining managers, chemists, civil engineers, and software developers. A full list of shortage occupations can be found here:https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/fileadmin/1_Rebrush_2022/a_Fachkraefte/PDF-Dateien/3_Visum_u_Aufenthalt/2024_Mangelberufe_EN.pdf.
Professional Experience (2 to 3 points):
Two points for at least two years of relevant professional experience within the last five yearsThree points for at least five years of experience within the last seven years.
Language Proficiency (1 to 4 points):
One point for A2-level German proficiency, two points for B1, and three points for B2 or higher.An additional point is given for C1-level English proficiency or if the applicant is a native speaker.Age (1 to 2 points):
- Applicants under 35 receive two points- Those who are aged 35 to 40, receive one point.
Residence Record in Germany (1 point):
One point is given for having legally lived in Germany for at least six months in the past five years, regardless of the purpose (study, work, or travel).Spouse as a Skilled Worker (1 point):
If one spouse meets the Opportunity Card criteria, the other spouse receives one point.To check eligibility before starting the final application, visit the following link:https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/self-check-opportunity-card#c52628.
Read more: Higher Study in Germany: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi and Other International Students
Benefits of the German Opportunity Card
This card initially allows the holder to find work in Germany for a maximum of 1 year. After this period, the card can be extended for up to 2 additional years while staying in Germany. Cardholders can pursue employment or self-employment opportunities. This permit allows for one or more part-time jobs totaling 20 hours per week. As part of their job search, cardholders can undertake a job trial for a maximum of 2 weeks per employer.
2 weeks ago
Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka resumes limited operations
The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC-JFP) in Dhaka has resumed limited operations.
Applicants will receive individual messages regarding the collection of their passports. They are requested to arrive at the IVAC only after receiving an SMS with instructions.
Due to the limited operations, the processing time may be extended.
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2 months ago
Trip to Bali: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Nestled in the western end of the Lesser Sunda islands in Indonesia, Bali is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Often referred to as the "Island of the Gods," Bali is renowned for its arts, traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music.
With its pristine beaches and diverse marine life, there’s a lot to see and explore in Bali. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started on your next dream holiday.
Location of Bali
Bali is an island province of Indonesia located near the equator. The island system is close to Java and Lombok with Java Strait and Lombok Strait separating them. In addition to the main island, there are smaller islands such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan, located southeast of the main island. The island is surrounded by the Indian Ocean on the south. The Bali Sea and part of the Pacific Ocean circumvent the island on the north.
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The main point of entry to Bali is the Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). It is located near the capital city of Denpasar and serves as the main entry point for international and domestic tourists.
5 months ago
Update for Italy work visa applicants in Bangladesh
The validity of applicants’ Nulla Osta on the day of receiving their appointment booking email will be frozen and will not expire if the email was sent during its validity, according to an update for Italy work visa applicants in Bangladesh.
Applicants who submitted incomplete or incorrect Nulla Osta will not receive an appointment, but an email suggesting they contact their employers for clarification," said VFS Global on May 20.
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No other means of booking appointments is in place.
"The process is absolutely free of cost, and applicants receiving any contrary information are requested to report it to VFS Global and the Embassy of Italy," said the VFS Global.
5 months ago
Don’t care about US sanctions, visa policies: Quader
Road Transport and Bridges Minister and General Secretary of the Awami League, Obaidul Quader, has said that the government is indifferent to US sanctions and visa policies. His comments came during a discussion today (May 14, 2024) with journalists at the Secretariat addressing contemporary issues.
Quader remarked that US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu has come to Bangladesh with his own agenda, emphasizing that the government did not extend an invitation to him. “I do not want to discuss this matter. They come and go as part of their routine,” Quader mentioned.
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Regarding Lu’s visit, Quader commented, “He is not even a Foreign Minister! Why all this fuss about him! He has come here out of necessity, they have their agenda. When relationships exist, discussions on various issues related to those relationships will happen.”
Quader also referenced previous discussions related to visa policies and sanctions before the elections, highlighting that the stance remains unchanged. “We do not care about any kind of sanctions or visa policies,” Quader declared when asked about the political implications of Lu’s visit.
Read more: Donald Lu in Dhaka to "strengthen bilateral cooperation" with Bangladesh
5 months ago
Donald Lu’s visit: Dhaka’s call for withdrawing sanctions may come up for discussion, says Hasan Mahmud
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud today (May 13, 2024) said that issues related to visa policy and Dhaka’s call for withdrawal of sanctions may come up for discussion during Donald Lu’s visit.
“These issues may naturally come up,” he said when a reporter wanted to know whether Bangladesh will raise these issues as US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu is coming to Dhaka on May 14.
Lu will be here as part of his tri-nation tour of the region (May 10-15). He visited India and is now visiting Sri Lanka.
Assistant Secretary Lu will conclude his trip in Dhaka, where he will meet with government officials, civil society leaders, and other Bangladeshis to discuss Bangladesh-US cooperation, including addressing the climate crisis and deepening economic ties, according to the US Department of State.
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The foreign minister said Bangladesh maintains excellent relations with the United States and they will work together to take the relations further.
“Whoever visits Bangladesh from the US administration, we will work together to advance our relationship. There are economic relations and we have cooperation in various fields,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
After the January 7 national election, the US in a statement on January 8 said, "Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties."
In February this year, Eileen Laubacher, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, US National Security Council (NSC); Michael Schiffer, USAID Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia; and Afreen Akhter, US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, paid a three-day visit to Bangladesh.
"There is willingness from both sides. Together, we want to create a new chapter in our relations," Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters after his meeting with the US delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at that time.
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5 months ago
Saudi Ambassador pledges visa assistance for Hajj pilgrims following PM Hasina’s request
Saudi Ambassador Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan has said that he is taking initiative to provide visas for the hajj pilgrims who are yet to get their visas. The assurance came today during a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence, Ganabhaban.
The visa initiative was a response to Prime Minister Hasina’s request to extend the visa approval timeframe, enabling the pilgrims to participate in the upcoming Hajj. More than 10,000 hajj pilgrims are yet to get visa from Saudi Arabia due to various complexities.
PM’s speechwriter M Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting.
During the discussion, the ambassador presented a list of projects Saudi investors aim to implement in Bangladesh. The PM said that Bangladesh will review these proposals carefully, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation before moving forward. She assured that the concerned ministries and divisions will look into the matter.
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The talks also touched on broader geopolitical issues, including support for Palestine. Prime Minister Hasina reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to aiding the Palestinian people, mentioning recent consignments of assistance.
“The whole world is with Palestine except the US and few of its allies,” she said.
Furthermore, with nearly 32 lakh Bangladeshis residing in Saudi Arabia, contributing significantly to both nations’ economies, Hasina urged the Saudi government to encourage the use of legal channels for remittances. This effort aims to secure economic benefits for Bangladesh while maintaining strong bilateral ties.
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Ambassador-at-large Mohammad Ziauddin, and PMO Secretary Mohammad Salauddin.
Read more: Over 11,000 Hajj aspirants face visa uncertainty as deadline expires
5 months ago
Over 11,000 Hajj aspirants face visa uncertainty as deadline expires
As the deadline to apply for Hajj visas concluded last night, uncertainty looms for over 11,000 pilgrims from Bangladesh who have yet to secure their visas. This situation makes their participation uncertain in this year’s Hajj, scheduled for June 16, contingent on moon sighting.
As of today, the latest figures revealed that 72,138 individuals had successfully obtained their Saudi visas, with an additional 259 currently in the visa printing process. However, this leaves precisely 11,167 applicants in limbo, with their chances of attending the Hajj in jeopardy unless the Saudi government grants another extension.
In response to the crisis, Faridul Haq Khan, Minister of Religious Affairs, has formally requested a third extension from the Saudi authorities to accommodate the backlog. Echoing this sentiment, Md A Hamid Zamadder, Secretary to the ministry, expressed optimism last night, telling UNB, “We remain in constant communication with our counterparts in the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. We are hopeful for an extension in the visa application period.”
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Zamadder also noted that other countries, including India and Indonesia, are facing similar issues, which might influence Saudi Arabia to extend the visa deadline.
Despite the government’s efforts, issues with local Hajj agencies have compounded the problem. These agencies have reportedly failed to secure accommodations in Saudi Arabia, a prerequisite for visa approval, leading to last-minute scrambles and heightened uncertainty. The agencies are now racing against time, trying to secure housing at lower rates, which has delayed visa processing.
As of now, 11,017 Bangladeshi pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia, with a total of 85,257 expected to perform Hajj under both government and private management.
Visitors on Hajj visa prohibited from traveling outside Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca: Saudi Ministry
The first batch of pilgrims departed on May 9, with flights scheduled to continue until June 10. Upon completion of Hajj, return flights are slated from June 20 through July 22.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether the remaining applicants can fulfill their spiritual journey, as the ministry awaits a definitive response on the visa extension issue, expected by Monday.
5 months ago
Visitors on Hajj visa prohibited from traveling outside Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca: Saudi Ministry
Saudi Arabia has clarified its new policy, introducing travel restrictions for Hajj pilgrims — confining their movements exclusively to Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that individuals visiting Saudi Arabia on a Hajj visa are prohibited from traveling outside these three cities.
The visa is designed solely for pilgrimage purposes and does not permit holders to engage in work, seek residency, or travel beyond Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca.
Hajj packages for 2024 to be cheaper
Violations of these restrictions could result in severe penalties, including deportation and a potential ban on future Hajj participation, according to a Gulf News report.
Furthermore, the Ministry clarified that all international visitors, except those from GCC countries who do not require a Hajj permit, must secure a Hajj visa through the official channels.
To streamline the application process, the Ministry's website now facilitates electronic registration for the Hajj visa via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' visa platform. Applicants are required to log in, select the required service, and follow detailed instructions for document submission.
Bangladeshis can perform Umrah with transit visa: Saudi Hajj Minister
The deadline for Hajj visa applications is set for the 7th of Dhu Al Hijjah, or until the designated quota of pilgrims is met. Processing typically takes up to three working days, and applicants are urged to apply early to adhere to all regulatory requirements.
5 months ago
Visa-free Eid Vacation for Bangladeshis: 10 Best Affordable Overseas Destinations
This year Bangladeshis are looking forward to a long Eid vacation. And a long vacation calls for a perfect getaway plan. What if we told you that you could plan an Eid vacation in the serene mountains of Bhutan or Nepal or the tropical paradise in the Caribbean, that too visa-free? Sounds too good to be true? Well, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
Visa-free Eid Vacation Destinations for Bangladeshis
Bangladeshi passport currently allows visa-free entry to 19 countries, visa on arrival in 16 countries, and electronic travel authorization in 2 countries. We’ve picked 10 such destinations to plan your Eid vacation.
Visa Free Entry
Bhutan
The “land of the thunder dragon,” Bhutan has been a long-term key ally for Bangladesh. With its breathtaking valleys, mountains, and gorges, Bhutan can be a perfect destination to spend your Eid vacation.
Bhutan provides visa-free entry to Bangladeshi passport holders. Meaning you won’t need anything other than your ticket to enter the country.
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Start your itinerary at Paro Valley where the iconic Paro Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest is situated. Consider visiting Punakha Valley, Bumthang Valley, Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa, and Phobjikha Valley based on your days.
While in Bhutan, don’t forget to try iconic local cuisines like Ema Datshi, dumplings, Hoentoe, and Jasha Maroo.
There are several public transports available in the country alongside guided tours. Accommodation in hotels will cost anywhere between 20 to 300 USD or 2195 to 32395 BDT per night (1 USD = 109 BDT). Read our Bhutan travel guide for more detailed information.
Bahamas
Now let’s fly off to the Caribbean in the beautiful tropical archipelago of the Bahamas. The country offers visa-free travel to Bangladeshi passport holders similar to Bhutan.
The must-visit places in the Bahamas include Nassau, Paradise Island, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Harbour Island, And Andros Island.
Bahamas is all about seafood delicacies. The local cuisines include conch salad, Bahamian rock lobster, fish stew, and Johnny cake. Getting around the archipelago is relatively easy with taxis and rental cars. The cost of accommodation can range between 100 to 400+ USD or 10977 to 43907 BDT per night. For more information check out the detailed Bahamas travel guide.
Dominica
Another great vacation option in the Caribbean for Bangladeshis is Dominica, more commonly known as the ‘Nature Island of the Caribbean’.
Some of the exciting places to visit in Dominica are the Emerald Pool, Boiling Lake, Morne Diablotin National Park, Champagne Reef, and Trafalgar Falls.
While on the island, relish your taste buds with Callaloo Soup, Lambi, Breadfruit, Bouyon, and Mountain Chicken.
Traveling around Dominica is the same as the Bahamas; taxis and car rental are your best options. Though there are several public buses available in limited routes. Accommodation per night would cost anywhere between 50 to 200+ USD or 5488 to 21958 BDT.
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Fiji
Fiji is another stunning destination located in the South Pacific. The archipelago is known for its white sand beaches, coral reefs, and thriving cultural heritage.
A trip to Fiji should start at the turquoise water and white beaches of the Mamanuca Islands. From there the tourists can go island hopping in Yasawa and Denarau Island. Suva, the capital city of Fiji is a thriving location holding onto its colonial heritage.
Must-eat food items in Fiji include Kokoda, Rourou, and Palusami. And if you’re looking for some Bangladeshi twist, try their lamb curry which is inspired by the South Asian Mutton Karahi.
Ferries, inter-island flights, and rental cars are your best options for travel. Accommodation will cost anywhere between 50 to 300+ USD or 5488 to 32395 BDT per night.
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Visa on Arrival
Nepal
The small country at the foot of the Himalayas is home to the mighty Everest. Beyond that, there’s a rich cultural heritage and eclectic cuisines to be explored in this mountainous country. Bangladeshi passport holders will get a visa on arrival in Nepal.
The best places to visit in Nepal include Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, and the Everest region. If you’re looking for some spiritual upliftment, visit Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for being the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Bangladeshis would feel right at home in Nepal as their staple food is Dal Bhat. Besides, there are Momos, Thukpa, Sel Roti, and Dhido.
There are several public and tourist buses available along with taxis for transportation. Accommodation per night should cost between 5 to 50+ USD or 548 to 5488 BDT.
Read more: 10 Overseas Places Bangladeshis Can Visit Under BDT 10,000
6 months ago