KARACHI – The German government has committed to prioritizing visas for Pakistan’s business community, providing significant relief to traders. This assurance came from German Consul General in Karachi, Rüdiger Lotz, during his visit to the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) head office. Lotz assured FPCCI President Atif Ikram Shaikh that business visas will be expedited for Pakistani entrepreneurs.

During a high-level interactive session with the German business community, FPCCI Senior Vice President Saqib Fayyaz Magu highlighted areas of cooperation such as women empowerment, startups, research and development, vocational training, and business tourism. Magu also expressed satisfaction with the appointment of Mahin Khan as the German Consulate’s Focal Person on Trade and Investment for the Sindh and Balochistan regions.

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Lotz acknowledged Pakistan as an important market for German companies, noting their long-standing presence in the country. He revealed that the number of Pakistani applicants for German visas has doubled in recent years, reflecting the growing interest in bilateral business relations.

In recent months, Germany has eased visa restrictions and simplified immigration processes to address a labor crisis. A key change is the introduction of the Chancenkarte or Opportunity Card, a points-based system that allows job seekers to enter Germany and find employment directly, rather than applying from abroad. This move aims to attract at least 400,000 immigrants annually to sustain the economy and maintain export levels.

Germany’s labor shortage is acute, with job vacancies reaching nearly 2 million in 2022. The country’s need for skilled workers has driven these changes, positioning it as a welcoming destination for international talent and business cooperation.