With the US no longer considered a viable option, many youngsters in Haryana are reviewing their plans to go abroad.
The risks of illegal migration and the recent deportations have forced a reset. The desire to build a future overseas remains strong.
A top national newspaper reported that they are turning to structured pathways.
The shift comes at a time when US authorities have deported several illegal immigrants from the state over the past year. Families are now more cautious and prefer routes that are legal and secure.
And thus, for many youngsters in Haryana, Germany has emerged as the safer and legal choice.
Unsurprisingly, language institutes across Haryana report a sharp rise in interest in German. The surge is driven by tuition-free education and comparatively better job prospects.
Germany, the report mentions, draws a large number of Indian applicants. Around one-third of all German opportunity cards, issued to skilled non-EU workers, go to Indians. Since the Covid pandemic, visas issued in India have grown at double-digit rates every year. This includes both Schengen and national visas, and the trend is expected to continue.
For the records, Haryana is likely among the top three states when it comes to visa applications. Indians now form the largest group of foreign students in Germany. Around 60,000 are studying there across courses. In 2020, the number was 28,905, as per the German Academic Exchange Service, the news report outlined.
Germany offers several advantages for Indians looking to study or work abroad. Tuition fees are low and job opportunities are widely available. The country also has an established Indian community. Living costs are relatively affordable and healthcare services are of high quality. These factors make Germany a practical choice for those planning to study or settle overseas.
Additionally, Germany offers more than 400 internship-based programmes. These allow students to work in fields such as nursing, retail, food processing and logistics. German language courses usually last eight to 10 months. Fees range between Rs 80,000 and Rs 1 lakh.
The interest in learning German is still in its early phase. Even so, nearly every district in Haryana now has two or three institutes offering the language. As students face increasing hurdles in countries like Canada, Australia, the US and the UK, many are turning to Germany. Some institutes have also started online sessions led by former employees of German banks.
The Haryana government has reportedly said it facilitates opportunities for youth who wish to go abroad, including to European countries, for employment.
Students from small villages and farming families are increasingly choosing this route. Many have completed B1-level language courses. Some are enrolled in dual degree programmes that combine study with internships. Others are preparing to join nursing courses in Germany.
Those enrolled in internship-based programmes earn while studying. Monthly stipends during training can be around 950 euros, with free accommodation provided.
After completing three-year programmes, earnings can rise to about 3,000 euros per month, the report added.
For families with limited land and income, Germany has upstaged the US as a stable option. The focus is now on legal pathways, steady training and long-term employment.
Also Read: India, US Eye Reset As Trade, Immigration, Geopolitics Collide https://www.vibesofindia.com/india-us-eye-reset-as-trade-immigration-geopolitics-collide/
