Germany has unveiled a proposal to permit foreign citizens from outside the European Union (EU) to enlist in the Bundeswehr, the military force. The German defense minister, Boris Pistorius, disclosed the proposal, emphasizing the need to bolster troop numbers by recruiting an additional 20,000 personnel in response to perceived threats from Russia.
Regarding the visa aspect, Deutsche Welle reported that the plan, initially aimed at citizens of non-EU foreign countries, might soon extend to encompass individuals from European nations outside the EU.
Under the newly proposed scheme, Germany aims to attract foreign citizens to join its military forces. The goal is to increase the pool of army recruits as part of a broader strategy to ensure the readiness of the army within a timeframe of no more than five years. Selected individuals participating in this program would have the opportunity to expedite their acquisition of German citizenship, bypassing prolonged procedures.
According to Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, a member of the FDP and chair of Germany’s defense committee, who spoke with Deutsche Welle, the proposed scheme to recruit foreign citizens into the Bundeswehr is not limited to European non-EU countries. She envisions expanding the program beyond Europe, starting with recruitment from countries like the UK and gradually extending to others.
In her interview, Strack-Zimmermann clarified that she couldn’t provide further details at the moment, citing the need to follow specific procedures. She highlighted that allowing individuals from other nationalities to join the German army could offer an opportunity for those born and raised in Germany without German citizenship.
The Minister of Defense in Germany emphasized the urgency of preparing the country’s army within a five to eight-year timeframe, indicating the need for changes to current laws to meet this timeline.
General Requirement to Apply for a German Visa in Nigeria?
You must prepare two sets of the following documents for your German visa application:
- Application form. You must provide a filled-out and signed application form for your visa. You can usually download the form online via the embassy website, print it and fill it out. Please make sure to submit accurate and complete information.
- Declaration Of Accuracy Information. Submit a signed declaration of accuracy of information with the rest of your documents.
- You must provide your passport which must be valid for additional three months after you leave Germany, contains two blank pages and was issued in the last ten years. Passport Requirement.
- Identification photographs: Two identity photographs in line with the Schengen visa photo guidelines — the photo must not be older than 6 months.
- Residence PermitYou must submit proof of a valid residence permit — make sure to submit an additional copy of the document.
- Schengen travel health insurance: Provide proof of purchased valid travel health insurance that covers you in the Schengen Area and has a minimum of EUR 30,000 equivalent to Nigerian Naira 30000 of medical coverage including medical emergencies.
- Proof of accommodation: Submit proof of accommodation during your stay in the country. You can submit proof of hotel reservation, rental agreement, and Airbnb, or if you’re staying with someone an invitation letter.
- Travel itinerary: Please provide a travel itinerary for your entry and visit to the country and include proof of reserved flight ticket.
- Proof of sufficient financial means: You must submit your recent bank statements from the last three months showing you have sufficient funds to cover your travel to Germany. Your bank statements must show the name and address of the owner.
- Letter of invitation: If you are visiting a family member or a friend please provide an invitation letter from your host stating their relationship with you and your reason for visiting. If they are sponsoring you they must also include that in the letter.
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