German clinics are urgently looking for nurses. Therefore, two years ago, the Federal Employment Agency signed a cooperation agreement with the Indian state of Kerala. Now the first paramedics are here.
Gennamo Thomas, 26, has been preparing for this day for half a year. She studies German for four hours five days a week in Trivandrum, capital of the southern Indian state of Kerala. Now, the young Indian woman is days away from leaving her home country to start a new life in Hamburg, thousands of kilometers away.
“I’m a nurse. I work in a hospital,” she says proudly in German. The most important word is sit. Jeenamo is one of 200 young people who launched the so-called “Triple Win” program last year, a partnership between the Federal Employment Agency and the Institute for International Cooperation (GIZ).
The program has been in operation since 2013. Since then, more than 5,700 trained nursing staff have been recruited in German clinics and nursing facilities (eg from Bosnia and Herzegovina or the Philippines). Now also from India.
both sides benefit
Liju George, who is coordinating the Trivandrum GIZ project, says it’s crucial that all parties benefit. In Kerala, there are more nurses than jobs. “From Kerala’s point of view, it is an asset for candidates to find meaningful employment.” Of course, young people also benefit from the scheme. They found a job that matched their wishes and dreams “in the country of their choice”.
Lijo Joseph also made a conscious decision to go to Germany. The young man had a contract of employment with the Kempton Clinic Group. The 37-year-old woman from Trivandrum has been working as a nurse since 2006. When one of his patients was advised to continue his treatment in Germany, it became clear to him that he could learn more while working in Germany.
competing with English conversation nation
Many Indians speak English very well. Learning a new language is a big hurdle. That’s why Germany competes with English-speaking countries like Ireland, the UK and Canada for young professionals, George said.
Genamo recalled that on her first day of language classes, she almost ran away crying. She can now carry on simple conversations in German, has completed B1 intermediate level and has completed a four-day nursing course in German. The burning desire to be able to send money home soon kept her going: “I definitely have to support my family, and my friends are not doing well financially”.
From Kerala to Hamburg: Jeenamo Thomas, 26, has started a new job in northern Germany.
The 26-year-old had previously worked as a nurse at an Indian hospital for three years. The work here is hard and the wages are meager. She earns 25,000 rupees per month, which equates to around 280 euros. If all goes well, it may increase tenfold in Germany in the future. According to GIZ, Indian nurses earn at least 2,800 euros. However, they need continuing education to do this.
Employer Provides Housing
Upon arrival in Germany, participants go through a one-year accreditation process, explains George: “They have to reach a B2 language level. They also undergo further training from their employer.” Now they start as nursing assistants and are later recognized as qualified nursing personnel.
However, GIZ stresses that the young men and women were not left unattended upon their arrival in Germany. During the accreditation process, and if necessary, thereafter, they will continue to be cared for – for example when dealing with the authorities or opening an account. The employer is also responsible for the living space.
higher educational standards
Kerala, the southernmost state on India’s tropical Malabar coast, has a long history of immigration, especially in healthcare. This is also due to the high level of education here. The state has the highest literacy rate at 94%. Nowhere else in India can so many women read and write. Also, Kerala society has long accepted the idea that women should be employed.
But not just success stories. Just days ago, a young Indian woman made headlines in the UK when she suddenly found herself out of work and deeply in debt. She is not an isolated case. Time and time again there are reports of nurses being stranded in Kerala. Or women have to pay a lot of money for a better life dream. Genamo said some of her friends have spent tens of thousands of euros on recruitment agencies. On the other hand, she pays almost nothing for training. Nearly 7,000 euros will be paid by the employer, according to GIZ.
German courses take a lot of time
Coordinator George said they had no problem finding candidates for the Triple Win scheme. At the Goethe-Institut in Trivandrum, the next generation of Indians is already preparing for Germany’s future. Their German teacher, Kiara, works with them on verbs with prepositions. These classes were a huge change for many, but everyone was motivated.
Liju George said 300 players, mostly young women, had signed up for the next round. Sometimes, he admits, people jump off buildings because of Planned Parenthood. German courses take a lot of time. Participants had to visit him five times a week for at least six months. Of course, it’s also a financial risk, George said. After all, neither men nor women can work during this time.
looking forward to a new home
But despite all the risks and difficulties, most people remain enthusiastic about Germany. They often only get to know their new home through photos, pictures and videos. Also, Genamo had never left India before. However, she only spoke highly of Germany: “Germany is a good country, which provides many opportunities for nurses, happy work and comfortable life.”
Germany is definitely her dream destination. Language barriers, intense clinical routines, culture shock—Ginamo didn’t mention any of them. The future will tell if their high hopes come true. In a few weeks, she will start a new job at a clinic in Hamburg. The 26-year-old believes she will settle down soon.