New act gives foreign students and staff more work opportunities

By Michael Gardner. A new law giving foreign academics and students more job-seeking opportunities has come into effect in Germany, as the share of foreign students enrolled at German higher education institutions rose again last year.
The act, Implementing the European Union Directive on Entry and Residence of Highly Qualified Workers, goes far beyond the original European Union (EU) requirements.
On graduating, foreign students can stay in Germany for up to 18 months instead of the previous one year to seek a job, and while doing so they can take on other jobs without any time restrictions. Graduates who have found employment in line with their qualification no longer require approval by the Federal Employment Agency, or BA. And an unlimited right of abode may be granted after two years. Foreign students can now take on jobs for 120 days a year – up from 90 days a year previously – to cover expenses.