Consul general Wolfgang Seiwart told The Financial Express that, in Germany, an IT professional with around three years of experience earns DM 100,000 or more. The German government wants to ensure that experienced Indian IT professionals get at least that amount. German companies have not objected to this proposal. His statement clears the confusion sparked by ambiguous statements in the special website created for foreign IT jobseekers and an official release.

The website, www.arbeitsamt.de, had specified that foreigners without the "relevant higher education qualification" can apply for a work permit if, on the basis of their expertise, the prospective employer promises to pay a minimum of DM 100,000. Meanwhile, the embassy had said that IT specialists as well as persons employed as IT specialists and having an annual income of the equivalent of at least DM 100,000 can seek work permits. Seiwart said that even the unions, which had reservations about Indians earlier, have now agreed in principle.

He said the low salaries of Indian IT jobseekers - compared with German levels - will not be a bar to recruitment. The consul general clarified that an individual earning just Rs 80,000 annually may be allowed entry if a German company feels that he is good enough for the job. Seiwart claimed that Germany is a much better destination than the US for IT job-seekers."We are offering a five-week holiday for professionals, while in US it is only two weeks. This should be an added attraction for Indians, apart from lucrative pay package," Seiwart said.

He also claimed that the law and order situation in German cities is much better than that in US. He said the formal guidelines pertaining to the issue of green cards to overseas professionals are expected to be ready by August, after the Bundesrat or Federal Council clears the move at a session scheduled for July 14.