IT wizards, Germany's calling you!

Indian IT professionals would gain from new German emigration laws that have vastly eased the entry of skilled personnel into the European country.

"Rules have been changed with the new legislation on emigration," the visiting German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said, adding that the new law had taken into account humanitarian and economic aspects.

Situation has significantly improved, Schroeder said, welcoming Indian skilled workers to Germany.

India's skilled professionals have made an 'important' contribution to German economy and helped his country become more international in its outlook, he said at his and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's interaction with the media on Thursday.

The number of work permits or 'green cards' was limited to 20,000 which was later changed when the German Federal Cabinet approved the extension of the so-called 'green card initiative' for foreign IT specialists.

As per the new regulation, first time applications can now be submitted until 31 December 2004. The new regulation also cancels the earlier fixed maximum number of 20,000 work permits.

Through the extension of the scheme, the German government has responded to the still existing demand for highly qualified personnel.

Until August 31, 2003, a total of 15,110 green cards has been granted, out of which 4,072 were given to Indian nationals, who represent by far the biggest national group of German green card holders.