The German Greencard Initiative - Conclusion two years after introduction
A survey brought to you by www.theinder.net - Germany's Indian online portal.

While the Greencard program, Germany's fast-track visa initiative for IT workers, will be effectively made obsolete by the new Immigration Laws set to take effect in 2003, there's much to be learned from the experiences of current and past  greencard-holders. Initial studies by WIMMEX showed positive effects, both for employers and for the participants. Approximately 82 percent of the firms surveyed six months after the program was launched said that it "has clearly improved their competitiveness".  Earlier this year, on the two-year anniversary of the program, the Bundesregierung pointed out that "The hiring of each foreign IT specialist results in the creation of two to three new jobs for German workers".

Dr. Stephan Pfisterer of BITKOM, the Federal Association of Information Economy, Telecommunication and New Media, agrees the program has been a success: "The attitude towards immigration was rather negative in the past. The idea was there was one job and either one German or a foreigner could fill it", said Dr. Pfisterer. "We're now closer to seeing immigration as a way of enhancing the German economy in the global context".

But what about the personal experiences of the workers themselves? In an effort to get a clearer picture of the program in today's post-Internet boom situation, graduate student Matthias Magnor is surveying Greencard participants, including those who are working and those who have lost their jobs. Click here to fill out this anonymous survey. Results will be posted here early this year. Feel free to contact Mr. Magnor at magnor@web.de

Personal Data

When did you first come to Germany?

Before 2000 2000 2001 2002

Did you bring your family with you?

No, I came alone
Yes, I came with my spouse
Yes, I came with my spouse an my children
Yes, my spouse and my children have joined me later

Why did you chose Germany as destination (multiple quotes possible)?

Career opportunities Remuneration Standard of living Culture Existence of ethnic network Possibility to go into business for yourself Proximity to home country Failed to find a job in the USA/other country
Others, please specify:

What are you currently doing?

Working Looking for a job In transition between 2 jobs Studying

In which country are you currently living?

Germany USA Home country Other country

If you left Germany again, when did you leave? 

Yes, I left in

Employment Details

How did you find your current/first employer in Germany (multiple quotes possible)?

Internet Press/Media "Word of mouth" Ad in home country
Other, please specify:

Are you still working for your first employer? If no, please specify how many employers you have worked for in Germany so far?

Still working for first employer Changed employer, worked for employers so far.

If you have changed your workplace, was this change voluntary or involuntary?

Voluntary Involuntary

What was the reason for your change in workplace (multiple quotes possible) ?

Economical situation of my employer
Cultural differences
Unsatisfactory work/working conditions
Unsatisfactory social integration
Other reason, please specify:

How did your first employer foster your social integration?

Support in dealing with public authorities Support with house hunting German courses No support
Other support, please specify:

How would you evaluate the efforts of your first employer to contribute to your social integration?
Very high High Adequate Could be better Insufficient

If you have left Germany again, was your leave voluntary or involuntary?

Voluntary Involuntary

What was the reason for your leave (multiple quotes possible) ?

Found a better job opportunity in another country
Cultural Differences
Unsatisfactory work/working conditions
Unsatisfactory social integration
Other reason, please specify:

Job and integration

Was/Is your job in Germany matching your skills and qualifications?

Yes, perfect match Yes, it mainly matches OK match Not a good match Insufficient match

Do you feel adequately integrated in your company?

Yes, fully integrated Integration could be better No, not integrated at all

Do you feel adequately socially integrated outside your company?

Yes, fully integrated Integration could be better No, not integrated at all

In case you came to Germany together with your family, does your family feel adequately integrated?

Yes Undecided No

Would you consider language problems hamper your social integration?

Yes Undecided No

Final evaluation

How do you evaluate your overall experience in Germany so far?

Very good Good OK Could have been better Unsatisfactory

Would you consider staying in Germany longer than the originally planned 5-year period?

Yes, would like to stay Yes, would consider Undecided No, would not consider No, would rather leave today than tomorrow

Would you recommend Germany as a place to live and work to friends or colleagues?

Yes, would highly recommend Yes, would recommend Undecided No, would not recommend No, would dissuade anyone from working in Germany

What is your main criticism on the German Greencard Initiative?

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If you experience does not meet your expectations, what would change if you were in the government's / employer's position?

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