German Embassy Kathmandu- Au Pair Visa- Questions and Answers

Here's questions and answers taken from German Embassy Kathmandu's Facebook Page regarding Au Pair Visa. Questions are asked by prospective applicants and answers are given by German Embassy Kathmandu ( referred hereunder to as GEK) itself

Which level of German Language Certificate is required to apply for Aupair Visa?
GEK: Hey! It is A1 and the certificate should not be older than 6 Months.

Is it mandatory to have language certificate which is not older than 6 months?
GEK: Yes that is correct! Because you can suspect that a beginner's niveau like A1 or A2 will "fade away" within six months, if the language is not practiced.

I already applied 3 years ago but I was rejected and I'm planning to reapply is there any possibility?
GEK: You are always allowed to file an application if you have an appointment and all necessary documents.

What if we have A2 certificate and it is from before lock down and is expired already. But I did online course and have certificate of the online course from Germany? Can I apply for Au Pair?GEK: If the Online class was held in Germany and they issued you an A2 Certificate according to the European standards, then you can apply with that certificate. However it has to a a certificate and not only a "teilnahmebestätigung"/Participation confirmation.

Is there any changes in application process due to COVID-19?
GEK: Only that the health insurance needs to cover COVID-19.

What are the main things to look for during an Au Pair process?
GEK: You should not learn the answers by heart but be able to explain in your own words why this programme is relevant for you. Au Pair is a cultural exchange, not a training for child education etc. Why did you chose Germany and not France or the UK? How did you learn about the programme? What are your future plans and how does a one year GAP year help you with that? You have to give an individual explanation.

Does embassy accept b1 certificates even if they are not united?
GEK: what do you mean by united? You mean for each module, like "listening" speaking etc?

Yes. 4 certificates of b1. Nicht Gemeinsamt
GEK: Yes, that's ok.

if we got 63 in A1 can we apply for Au pair?
GEK: if you have an A1 certificate you can apply.. however you need to prove your language skills also during the visa interview.

How many time can we apply after rejection?
GEK: As often as you wish. However please note that Germany does not have a quota system. Meaning if you fit the criteria for a visa category, you can get the visa - there is no fixed number of Au Pair visa that we can issue and once we reach that number we stop issuing the visa category - that is NOT the case. So as long as something has not changed in your situation and you can't give a plausible explanation why you want to take this GAP year, also your future applications are likely to be rejected.

Is it risky to get visa with A1 certificate for Au Pair? Should have do A2 too?
GEK: A1 is the requirement. You then need to proof you language skills also in the Visa interview. Some applicants have a A1 certificate but when we speak with them at the counter they are not able to answer the questions and might get rejected.

German Embassy Kathmandu- Student Visa- Questions and Answers.

Study in Germany

Germany Embassy Kathmandu conducted live question round to answer prospective students' questions concerning student visa matters on 20th of April, 2021. Here are the questions and answers taken from German Embassy Kathmandu's facebook page, which will be important for Nepali the students thinking of pursing higher studies in the developed European nation Germany.

GEK= German Embassy Kathmandu

I have been awarded with DAAD scholarship for 2021 winter semester starting September when shall I book an appointment for visa?
And, I want to bring my spouse together should I book different visa appointment date or same appointment will work?
GEK: Congrats! You can apply three months in advance (so June if you want to go in September). It would be ideal if both of you can book separate appointments through our webpage. We try to avoid to having too many people at the Embassy due to COVID. Feel free to book two consecutive appointments!

Thank you, and when should  I be booking the date for appointment? The visa appointment dates may be packed. Can I book the dates for June by now to be assured?
GEK: Appointments are open and easily bookable (because of COVID-restrictions the application numbers are low), usually you can book two weeks in advance.

Student visa of my friend was rejected 2 years ago though he has done his best in the interview, his document- language proficiency and other were perfect. I was shocked about the reason behind the rejection. His Sprachkenntnisse, His ability fades away. I think getting visa of someone depends on embassy employees MOOD. He is one of victim who was capable of getting visa. Embassy should give the criteria to the students about reason of rejection of visa, so they don't waste their time in learning Deutsch and can easily move another way ,make future plan so on

GEK: There are clear criteria who is eligible for a study visa and who is not. As an Embassy we act according to the German law, not randomly. The rejection letter is rather short. However if your friend disagrees with the decision or there was a misunderstanding, he can file "remonstration" and present new arguments/documents in the process. his application would then be rechecked by another consular officer and he would receive a written explanation (several pages!), why the visa was rejected.

HELLO ! I have 2 Questions
(1) My German language certificate is 1.5 years Old Goethe Zertifikat B2.  Can I apply for Study Visa in Studienkolleg?
(2) I want to apply for Kiel ,but I have heard from my many friends that we won't get any Visa from there? Is that true?
GEK: You will have to renew your language certificate. What your friends say is WRONG. There are not universities that get more rejections than others - it's about the applicant, not the university.

Should I have a new certificate?
Is it valid or not in german embassy? or I have to take a new exam? Because of lockdown there was no B2 exam.
GEK:You should try to give a new exam. If there is no B2, you can take the B1 exam and submit the fresh B1 certificate and the old B2 certificate.

I want to raise questions on present issue. If aufnahme is to be given in online, then should we give it from our country or we can go to Germany and give there. Please clarify this.
GEK: You should do the aufnahmetest online from Nepal If you the receive a confirmation, the application process is much quicker.

Another student's feedback: this should be the case every time. Going to Germany just to participate in the Aufnahme is really costly. A lot my friends have spent thousand of euros in Germany because they could not pass the Aufnahme test and have sadly returned to Nepal. This all could have been avoided if the Aufnahmetest was in Nepal. And maybe next time Embassy could host the Aufnahme test just like in Vietnam.
Thank you so much . Have a nice day

I have completed 4 years Bachelor's in civil engineering .but have poor grade. Can I apply for Bachelor's program in Germany in English medium. Is there any problem in visa if I redo the Bachelor's program again in Germany?
GEK: It depends on whether a German university accepts you. If you get an acceptance letter from a university and have the requested financial funds, the visa is usually issued.

Is the German language necessary for Master's programme or one can apply with IELTS and related language test?
GEK: German universities offer study courses in English and in German - it's your choice! If you chose an English course you need to submit an English language certificate (IELTS or TOEFL), if you chose a German study course it has to be a German language certificate (Goethe or VHS).

Do we need our birth certificate? It is mentioned but not highlighted in the checklist.
GEK: It is better if you submit it.

Namaste! I already have my student visa, however, I have been postponing my entry to Germany because of the spike in COVID-19 cases. I am taking my classes online from Nepal. I wanted to know what could I do to extend my visa because I am afraid I would enter Germany within my visa period.
GEK: A visa cannot be extended. If you are not using an issued visa, you need to reapply for a new visa. However the issuance of the second visa would be easier since you already have all the documents.

Can student with A2 passed apply for learning B1 in Germany.
GEK: Usually no, you should try to do B1 in Nepal.

Can a thirteenth year degree be in any stream if one wishes to study BIT in Germany?
GEK: You would need to contact the German university that you have in mind directly and ask if you qualify. You can always apply for a visa if you have an admission letter.

Can one apply for student Visa while studying B1?
GEK: No, B1 is minimum

Is the Migration Certificate is required for the studienkollege? But in the checklist is is not mentioned?
only HSEB certificate and mark sheet are mentioned. Also for visa interview,  is migration mandatory?
GEK: A migration certificate is not needed.

How about if the visa is expired, and can't use because of COVID-19. Can I get the visa again..how much sure I get the visa again? Is it sure I get the visa again?
GEK: You need to file a new application. If nothing much has changes compared to your last application, a new visa should be possible.

Why German embassy doesn't provide student visa when candidates are nervous during interview time.? Authorities know Deutsch is not even our second language, it is our 3rd language and it's normal to be nervous when we're going to face interview in foreign language.
GEK:  if you are planning to move to a foreign country and to study in German language, you should be able to give relevant information during the interview - how else will you succeed in your studies? If you are going to study in English language in Germany, the interview will also be in English - and same, if you are planning to do an academic degree in that language you have to be able to answer the simple questions of the visa interview.

Can we bring our spouse with us while pursuing masters degree? What is the procedure?
GEK: Unfortunately you cannot sponsor your spouse while being on a student visa - only if you would receive a scholarship or stipend!

thank you so much. But, What if my spouse could fund her living expenses and accommodation by herself during her stay in Germany until I would be able to sponsor her?
GEK: Unfortunately it is still not possible, since the student visa category cannot sponsor spouses . however if your wife manages to find employment in Germany, she might be eligible for employment visa.

Any possibilities to get working visa in Germany?

GEK: There is, check here..

Hi, what about english proficiency ? Is PTE (Pearson test of english ) is acceptable by German embassy ?

GEK: Usually you should have an IELTES or TOEFL.

Three years of Bachelor's degree of BSW (Bachelor of Social Work), can I apply for Master's?
GEK: if a German university accepts you and issues you a letter - yes!

How do we connect?

GEK: VIA HERE

B.P. Koirala India- Nepal Foundation - Translator Written Job Experience

Here's the experience of a candidate who appeared in the Written Examination of B.P. Koirala India- Nepal Foundation for the position of translator. 
 
B.P. Koirala India- Nepal Foundation had advertised vacancy for the position of translator on 16th March  2021. It conducted the written exam for the same on 12th April at Nepal-Bharat Library, NAC Building, New Road Gate. 

In the written examination, candidates were asked to translate a piece of English text to Nepali, Nepali passage (press release) to English, to write essay on the socio-economic situation of Nepal post Covid-19 (in English) and essay on ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Nepal and India (in Nepali). The questions were thoughtfully set to assess the overall command of both Nepali and English languages of the candidates.

The Nepali text that was given to translate to English was taken from current constitution of Nepal (76:-Constitution of Council of Ministers), which was meant to check the candidates' ability to translate legal documents. Here's the Nepali Text that was given and its translated version, taken from the website of Nepal Law Commission.

(Below is the translated text)

1) The President shall appoint the leader of a parliamentary party that commands majority in the House of Representatives as the Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers shall be constituted under his or her chairpersonship.

(2) In cases where no party has a clear majority in the House of Representatives under clause (1), the President shall appoint as the Prime Minister a member of the House of Representatives who can command majority with the support of two or more parties representing to the House of Representatives.

(3) In cases where Prime Minister cannot be appointed under clause (2) no later than thirty days after the date of declaration of the final results of election to the House of Representatives or the Prime Minister so appointed fails to secure a vote of confidence under clause (4), the President shall appoint as the Prime Minister the parliamentary party leader of the party which has the highest number of members in the House of Representatives.

(4) The Prime Minister appointed under clause (2) or (3) shall obtain a vote of confidence from the House of Representatives no later than thirty days after the date of such appointment.

(5) In cases where the Prime Minister appointed under clause (3) fails to obtain a vote of confidence under clause (4) and any member under clause (2) presents a ground on which he or she can obtain a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives, the President shall appoint such member as the Prime Minister.

(6) The Prime Minister appointed under clause (5) must obtain a vote of confidence under clause (4).

The second question required us to translate a part of the press release of  sixth meeting of the Nepali-India Joint commission, from English to Nepali language.

Here's the part of the text given, taken from the website of Ministry of External Affairs, India.

The sixth meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission was co-chaired by the External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal H.E. Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali in New Delhi on 15 January 2021. The two delegations included Foreign Secretary of India, Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Foreign Secretary of Nepal, Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal and other senior officials from both sides.

The Joint Commission comprehensively reviewed all aspects of multifaceted cooperation between the two countries and explored ways to further strengthen the traditionally close and friendly ties. Both sides discussed several areas of cooperation including in the areas of connectivity, economy and trade, power, oil and gas, water resources, political and security issues, border management, development partnership, tourism, culture, education and capacity building. The significant and concrete progress made since the last meeting of the Joint Commission in taking forward several bilateral initiatives was acknowledged.

The close cooperation between the two sides in combating Covid-19 pandemic in the region was noted. Nepal congratulated India on the remarkable success in production of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines in India and requested for early provision of vaccines to Nepal.

And third question asked us to write 150 words essay about the socio-economic situation of Nepal post Covid-19 in English, and final question asked us to write an essay in Nepali,  and the question was नेपाल भारत सम्बन्धलाई थप बलियो गर्न के गर्नुपर्ला आफ्नो बिचारहरु लेख्नुहोस्।

Interview Experience

The same candidate was shortlisted based on the performance of the written exam for the interview. Here's his experience.

 On the interview day first as soon as I got in the NAC Library, I was taken to the computer and my Nepali and English typing skills were tested. I was given 5 minutes to type one paragraph in Nepali and one paragraph in English. Candidates were asked to type as much as they can within the given timeframe. For the Nepali, I used unicode Nepali to type, but the font they happen to use was Preeti. And the paragraphs were the same that were given in the written examination.

After typing the took a printout of the paragraphs and gave the paper to the interviewers. The interviewer then called for for the interview. There was one Nepali interviewer and another Indian. 
First I was asked to tell me about myself...

Then, I was asked if I had related job experience...And then about my family Background. Since, my father was an ex-serviceman of the Indian Military, the Indian interviewer asked a few questions related to it. He also asked about my siblings and what they were doing and how long will I work for them, my salary expectations and so on.

He also asked questions such as what kind of political course of action would be good for Nepal? How do you see the recent future of Nepal? This job requires working early sometimes are you flexible?

And the Nepali interviewer asked if I read Nepali newspapers regularly and Name of 3 major political parties of Nepal. In the end he also asked about the difference between two Nepali words Amantran and Mantrana.

  

Working conditions of Nepali workers in Poland and Romania - The Kathmandu Post stories

Now many Nepali youths are going to Poland and Romania for work. I found two pieces on The Kathmandu Post's website exclusively on Poland and Romania which could help prospective workers to know more about these countries. Things are way different in reality from what recruiters tell you here. So, it's always advisable to do your own homework and see if the country is really appropriate for you. Click the links below to know about the working conditions in the respective countries. 

Poland

Nepali migrant workers find themselves entangled in Poland’s red tape

Romania

The road to Romania is bumpy and once there, workers are exploited too

The stories reveal that, It is very difficult to save up and send money back home from Poland. Living condition is also poor with 4 workers sharing the same room. Agents are charging workers up to NPR 5 to 13 lakhs carrying out informal transactions thereby making it difficult to prove fraud.

The article also mentions that, the the case of Poland the salary is way less than what recruiters in Nepal tell NPR 60,000 (vs NPR 275,800, amount manpower agents say that workers will get in Poland). Actually, workers get PLN 2,000 and agents in Nepal, in order to trick workers into applying, say that they would get 2,000 Euros in Poland, which is very misleading.

Moreover, the article also mentions that red tape is a major challenge for Nepali workers in Poland. If you want to change your job, you need to apply for a new work permit, and that, in Poland's case take months.

As for Romania, the TKP story suggests that workers are exploited with them having to work many hours more than what is mentioned in the contract. Although, Romanian hiring companies pay commissions to agents and airfare for the workers, deceptive manpower agents make workers pay a large sum (almost NPR 5 lakhs) of additional money as well. In Romania Nepali workers are working as much as 12-hours, without even taking toilet breaks and after pandemic, some workers have not been paid for four months. There's no labour agreement between Nepal and Romania. Some agencies also give false promises of PR  and provisions to bring families to Romania to workers. Read the full story clicking the link above.