Denmark is looking for skilled workers in various sectors and has announced a new visa scheme to attract them. The Danish government has launched the Positive List 2024, which includes 34 occupations that are in high demand and face a shortage of qualified professionals. The list covers fields such as construction, engineering, education, health, and IT.
The Positive List 2024 visa allows foreign nationals who have a job offer from a Danish employer in one of the listed occupations to work and live in Denmark for up to four years. The visa holders can also bring their family members with them. The visa is renewable if the applicants meet the requirements and have a valid employment contract.
To apply for the Positive List 2024 visa, applicants must have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in their field. They must also meet the language requirements and pass a Danish test. The visa fee is 3,440 DKK (about 460 EUR) and the processing time is up to three months.
Implication on Nigeria Japa syndrome
The term “Japa syndrome” refers to the phenomenon of Nigerians seeking to migrate to other countries in search of better opportunities and living conditions. This trend has been fueled by the economic and social challenges facing Nigeria, such as unemployment, insecurity, corruption, and poor infrastructure.
Recently, Denmark announced that it would offer visas to skilled workers from non-EU countries in 12 occupations, including welders, bricklayers, mechanics, and teachers. This move is part of the country’s efforts to address its labor shortages and attract foreign talent.
Here are some possible implications.
Increased chances of getting a visa: For Nigerians who have the skills and qualifications that Denmark is looking for, this could be a golden opportunity to secure a visa and work permit in a developed country. Denmark is known for its high standard of living, social welfare system, and progressive values. It also ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of happiness, education, health, and democracy.
Reduced cost of migration: One of the barriers that many Nigerians face when trying to migrate abroad is the high cost of visa fees, travel expenses, and settlement costs. However, Denmark’s visa scheme offers some incentives that could lower these costs. For example, applicants do not need to pay any fees for the visa application or the work permit. They also do not need to have a job offer or a contract before applying. Moreover, they can bring their spouses and children with them without any additional fees or requirements.
Enhanced career prospects: Working in Denmark could also open up new possibilities for career growth and development for Nigerians. They could benefit from the country’s advanced technology, innovation, and education system. They could also learn new skills, gain international experience, and network with professionals from different backgrounds and cultures. Additionally, they could enjoy the rights and benefits that Danish workers have, such as minimum wage, paid leave, health insurance, and pension.
Potential challenges: Despite the advantages that Denmark’s visa scheme offers, there are also some potential challenges that Nigerians should be aware of before applying. One of them is the language barrier. Although English is widely spoken in Denmark, most jobs require proficiency in Danish. Therefore, Nigerians would need to learn the language and adapt to the culture and norms of the country. Another challenge is the competition.
Denmark’s visa scheme is open to applicants from all non-EU countries, which means that Nigerians would have to compete with thousands of other skilled workers from around the world. Furthermore, the visa scheme is limited to 12 occupations and 1700 visas per year, which means that not everyone who applies will be successful.
Denmark’s visa scheme for skilled workers could be a viable option for Nigerians who want to “japa” or migrate abroad. However, it also comes with some challenges and risks that should be carefully considered before making a decision.
The Positive List 2024 visa is part of Denmark’s efforts to address the skills gap and boost its economy. According to the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration, the country needs more than 100,000 skilled workers by 2025 to maintain its growth and competitiveness. The ministry also stated that the visa scheme will help Denmark attract talent from around the world and enhance its cultural diversity.
