On September 23, German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann released a video on social media, calling it “an appeal to all highly skilled Indians.” The video heavily promoted the prospects of Indian tech talent securing high-paying jobs in Germany, at a time when the country is grappling with rapid population aging and a shrinking workforce.
Ackermann said that Indian immigrants are among the highest-earning groups in Germany. On average, Indians working in Germany earn more than ordinary Germans working in the country. This, he noted, shows that Indians are truly contributing to Germany and bringing significant benefits to German society.
“Our immigration policy is a bit like a German car—reliable, modern, predictable,” Ackermann said in the video. “And you don’t have to worry about suddenly hitting the brakes at high speed. We won’t completely change our rules overnight.”
This tone stands in sharp contrast to recent remarks from Washington. On September 19, President Trump signed a proclamation imposing an additional $100,000 fee on new applicants for H-1B visas. The H-1B visa provides opportunities for foreign workers, such as software engineers, to work in the United States. Indians make up the largest share of workers granted this visa.
According to German government data, around 124,000 Indians are currently employed in Germany, most of them in computing, science, or technical fields, making them one of the highest-earning demographics in the country.
In 2024, Germany launched a program to expand visa access for Indian workers and simplify application procedures, making it easier for more Indians to come to Germa