Triple Win Programme - Sustainable recruitment of nurses to Germany
Plenty of vacancies, but a shortage of skilled staff
Germany’s nursing sector is already facing a significant shortage of skilled staff. There are not enough qualified nurses available to meet the high level of demand, and experts predict that approximately another 500,000 nurses will be needed by 2030. Demographic change will exacerbate the shortage over the medium and long term.
To complement other measures within Germany, the German Federal Employment Agency’s International Placement Services (ZAV) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH set up the Triple Win Programme in 2013.
The Federal Employment Agency and GIZ jointly place qualified nurses from abroad for work in Germany. The programme is implemented based on an agreement between the German Federal Employment Agency (BA) and Norka Roots on the selection and the placement of nursing professionals.
The licensed nurses from Kerala obtain language and technical training for working in Germany and receive support to start life and work in Germany. Once in Germany, they embark on the process of having their qualifications recognised within 12 months.
Triple Win: one programme, three benefits
GIZ and the Federal Employment Agency use the Triple Win approach – a holistic concept that ensures that both the country of origin and the host country benefit as well as the individual migrants themselves:
- In Germany, the nurses from Kerala have employment opportunities and scope for professional and personal development. Agreed standards in labour contracts ensure fair working conditions and equal pay.
- To ensure the process is sustainable and fair, the Federal Employment Agency and GIZ cooperate only with partner countries that have a surplus of trained nurses. In the long term, Kerala nurses working in Germany may contribute to knowledge transfer to their home country.
- In Germany, hospitals and elderly care homes are able to access well-trained nurses, helping them to overcome the skills shortage in the German labour market.
Organisation of the programme
On the German side, the International Placement Services (ZAV) of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) is responsible for selection and placement, while in Kerala, Norka Roots is responsible – a registered Government company under Government of Kerala. In a cooperation arrangement with BA, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH provides support for the Indian partner administration, as well as for the nurses’ professional and language skills preparations, and it assists their integration in Germany.
The process in Kerala
Applicants need to undergo the following process in Kerala:
Recruitment
- positiv:Programme Interview
Training and Recognition
- positiv:Language course from A1 to B1 conducted in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (at training centres that are commissioned by GIZ)
- positiv:Professional Nursing Orientation
- positiv:Preparation of recognition documents
Pre-Deployment
- positiv:Matching process
- positiv:Employer‘s Interview
- positiv:Employment Contract
- positiv:Medical check-up and measles vaccination
- positiv:Work Visa
- positiv:Departure Preparation
Integration in Germany
GIZ provides Triple Win candidates support after their arrival in Germany and monitors their integration through an integration advisor. GIZ, during a one-day visit, helps with the obligations of candidates towards state administrations. In the case of special issues during the first year of employment, the professional staff and the employer can contact GIZ and ZAV who offer counseling and referral.
How and where can I apply?
Norka Roots publishes the dates of the selection rounds in an advertisement. Applicants are welcome to apply through the Norka Roots’ website https://norkaroots.org/ml/home (just click on “Apply“ button against relevant job advertised on the website). Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. For more information about recruitment rounds, interview schedule and the list of all required documents for the application, kindly visit the Norka Roots website.
What are criteria for application?
Applicants need to fulfill the following criteria:
- positiv:Graduated from accredited nursing education institution in India and holding one of the following Qualifications:
• Diploma in General Nursing & Midwifery (GNM): Registered Nurse/Midwifery
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing B.Sc (Basic)
• Indian Nurse Registration Certificate. - positiv:Legal age of 18 years
- positiv:Proof of a German language level of at least B1 at the time of visa application.
What documents are required for application?
- Curriculum Vitae in English.
- Motivation Letter in English.
- Legalized Copy of Diploma Certificate in Nursing.
- Legalized Copy of Academic transcript.
- Legalized Copy of Nurse Registration Certificate.
- Legalized Copy of Reference from previous employer (if applicable).
- Passport Copy.
- If available: German language certificate as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
How long is the residence permit valid?
The working visa is valid for one year. It will change to a resident permit once the nurses pass their recognition and B2 exam in Germany. After 5 years, this visa can be converted into a permanent resident permit.
Can I bring my family to Germany?
Family reunification is generally possible, if all the necessary conditions, such as the existence of sufficient income and suitable accommodation, are met. The decision on this is made by the responsible immigration authority, who can provide detailed information on this topic. Spouses and children must apply for family reunification at the responsible German embassy before leaving the country.
Do I have to pay a fee to participate in the programme?
The placement, language and technical preparation and integration assistance are for free for applicants.
Applicants are required to undergo a medical examination and complete measles vaccination before departure. The programme Triple Win will bear the associated costs.