Shillong: In a major step toward global employment opportunities for the Meghalaya’s youth, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday launched the German Language Training Programme for Overseas Placement, designed to prepare and place qualified nurses and healthcare professionals from Meghalaya in Germany.
The initiative, hosted at the Shillong Tech Park, is being spearheaded by the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) under the Department of Labour, Employment & Skill Development.
It aims to train selected candidates in German language proficiency and facilitate their transition into the European country’s healthcare system, which is facing a significant shortage of skilled professionals.
Following successful overseas placements in Japan and Singapore, Germany is now the latest destination for Meghalaya’s healthcare talent.
The programme will train participants up to B2 level in German over a six-month period, followed by placement interviews, visa processing, and final deployment in reputed hospitals and care facilities across Germany.
“We’re transforming a challenge into an opportunity,” said the chief minister. “Meghalaya has one of the youngest populations in India.
If we can send even 30,000 professionals abroad, the monthly remittance could reach Rs. 250 crore — translating to Rs. 3,000 crore annually, directly benefitting families across the state.”
He also reassured families concerned about safety and costs, stating that the government would act as a guarantor, providing financial support and end-to-end guidance for candidates.
In a symbolic gesture of trust and commitment, the chief minister announced he would personally accompany the first batch of candidates to Germany.
“This partnership not only changes lives but strengthens Indo-German ties,” he added.
Representing the German government, Andrea Jeske, Deputy Consul General (German Consulate, Kolkata), welcomed the initiative, highlighting the demand for skilled professionals in Germany.
“By 2035, Germany will require seven million additional skilled workers. Today’s launch is a milestone — these young professionals won’t just work in Germany, they will thrive,” she said.
Jeske also referenced Germany’s updated immigration policies, including the Opportunity Card and the Skilled Immigration Act, which now make it easier for non-EU professionals to live and work in the country.
Jan Eben, Country Director General of People to Help Germany, emphasized that the partnership is about more than employment.
“From language training to cultural integration and arrival support at German airports — we are with the candidates every step of the way,” he said.
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The programme is being implemented by IndieTalent, in collaboration with 2COMS Group, offering complete support including training, visa processing, and placement services.
IndieTalent’s Business Head, Payel Bhattacharya, remarked, “Meghalaya’s youth are already making a mark in Japan and Singapore. Germany is the next chapter in this global journey.”
Already, over 750 offer letters have been issued under IndieTalent’s placement programmes, and more than 580 migration procedures have been completed.
