Gabriel: "Make it in Germany" has its ten millionth visitor

The online platform "Make it in Germany", for people interested in migrating to Germany, has been a complete success. 10 million visitors - 90 per cent of which are from abroad - have already made enquiries on this welcome portal for living and working in Germany. The portal is funded by the Department for Economic Affairs.

Gabriel, Minister for Economic affairs, commented, "'Make it in Germany' is enabling us to show international skilled workers how they can organise their route into Germany successfully - from the preparations required in the home country, to arrival and initial steps in Germany, through to future work with the help of the job exchange and guidance. Germany has something to offer in the competition for the brightest minds. 10 million visitors to the platform is a good sign with regard to this."

'Make it in Germany' is targeted at highly-qualified skilled workers from the areas of mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology in particular; and provides information regarding career prospects in the area of research and self-employment. Almost 90 per cent of clicks come from abroad, mainly from India, Vietnam, Russia and Indonesia.

'make-it-in-germany.com' went online along with the 'Fachkräfte-Offensive' [skilled workers offensive] platform www.fachkräfte-offensive.de in June 2012 as part of the skilled worker offensive initiated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) and the Federal Employment Agency (BA).

In collaboration with the Federal Employment Agency (BA), current vacancies are transferred directly into the portal's own job exchange. Together with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the Federal Employment Agency's (BA) Centre for International Migration and Development (ZAV), 'Make it in Germany' also provides an individual advice service. People interested in migrating to Germany can contact both the hotline 'working and living in Germany' as well as the virtual welcome centre.

'Make it in Germany' can also be accessed on Twitter and already has over 6000 followers. Since April, those who are interested have been able to download the 'Make It' app for free mobile access.

Due to similar demographic trends in many EU states, greater efforts will need to be made in future to attract skilled workers from so-called third countries. Germany offers many migration routes for people from non-EU countries - from the EU Blue Card for highly qualified individuals, to residence permits for studying, through to self-employment. In the new visa section, 'Make it in Germany' brings together information on the different access routes to Germany in a clear and transparent manner.