Announcement

Published on Thursday, 31 October 2013 BAnz AT 31.10.2013 B2

www.bundesanzeiger.de

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Federal Ministry for Labour and Social Affairs

Directive for the special programme by the German government for the promotion of vocational mobility of young people interested in vocational training and of unemployed young professionals from Europe (MobiPro-EU)

Dated: 28 October 2013 1 Intended purpose and legal basis of the promotion 1.1 Within the framework of the special programme, the Federal Government grants young people interested in vocational training and unemployed young professionals from Europe benefits which are required to support their successful placement in in-company vocational training and in qualified employment in Germany. This is a contribution to counter the high youth unemployment rate within the European Union (EU) and to secure the supply of skilled workers in Germany. The special programme can promote young people from the EU aged between 18 and 35 years (in well-founded exceptions, e.g. in health occupations, up to 40 years of age) who are suffering from bleak professional perspectives due to tense training and labour market situations in their home countries. This allows them in Germany to take up in-company vocational training or qualified employment in a bottleneck occupation. The regularly updated shortage analysis by the German Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur fr Arbeit BA) defines which occupations are considered bottleneck occupations. Regional requirements can be considered discretionarily. The special programme contributes to strengthening vocational mobility as part of the freedom of movement as granted within the EU. The support directive constitutes no legal entitlement to support. 1.2 The special programme's funding instruments are particularly intended to overcome language barriers and foreseeable difficulties that could impede the recruiting and hiring process in Germany. This is especially true for the acceptance of in-company vocational training by young people interested in vocational training in whose home countries this type of vocational training is unknown. That is why the programme includes an internship in one of the training companies before starting actual vocational training to avoid people dropping out of vocational training later. 1.3 The International Placement Services (ZAV) of the BA, in the following referred to as authorising authority, executes the special programme. 1.4 Except for the deviations according to sections 4.3 and 4.4, the administrative regulations regarding Section 44 of the Federal Budget Code (Bundeshaushaltsordnung BHO) apply. 1.5 The Federal Ministry for Labour and Social Affairs (Bundesministerium fr Arbeit und Soziales BMAS) assigns funds to use at its own discretion to the authorising authority to serve the intended purpose of the promotion. As approved by the BMAS, the authorising authority decides on a promotion based on Sections 23 and 44 BHO and the General Administrative Regulations issued to this, unless the directive states otherwise, and based on the provisions of the Law on Administrative Proceedings (Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetz VwVfG) and this directive within the framework of their best judgement and within the framework of the funds allocated to the authorising authority by the BMAS for this purpose. The applicant is not entitled to having the benefit granted. 1.6 Granting of benefits is subject to the respective budget funds being available. 2 Subject of the promotion 2.1 The following benefits can be applied for as a preparation for vocational training and/or the prior internship and for the duration of in-company vocational training and/or for the duration of the adaptation internship, which serves to establish the equivalence of an existing vocational qualification and the German reference occupation:

Funding of a preparatory German language course in the country of origin (see Paragraph I Number 1 Funding Index [see appendix]) Funding or provision of a German language course accompanying the internship (see Paragraph I Number 2 Funding Index) Travel allowances when taking the job interview, starting an internship, or starting or, if applicable, prematurely terminating vocational training (see Paragraph I Number 3 Funding Index) Financial assistance to secure a livelihood during the internship preparing for vocational training and/or the vocational training itself (see Paragraph I Number 4 Funding Index)

Announcement
Published on Thursday, 31 October 2013 BAnz AT 31.10.2013 B2
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Funding or provision of training assistance (see Paragraph I Number 5 Funding Index) Promotion of German language skills during the adaptation internship, socio-pedagogical assistance and assistance to secure a livelihood during the adaptation internship (see Paragraph I Number 6 Funding Index) Application for benefits by third parties (see Paragraph I Number 7 Funding Index)

2.2 The following benefits can be applied for as a preparation for / or during qualified employment in a bottleneck occupation:

Funding of a German language course in the country of origin and/or Germany (see Paragraph II Number 1 Funding Index) Travel and moving expenses allowance when taking the job interview and/or starting employment (see Paragraph II Number 2 Funding Index) Absorption of costs for acceptance procedures for regulated bottleneck occupations (see Paragraph II Number 3 Funding Index)

Funding of a first orientation for young skilled workers in Germany (see Paragraph II Number 4 Funding Index)

3 Benefit recipients 3.1 Benefit recipients are natural persons who would like to exercise their freedom of movement within the EU and take up in Germany in-company vocational training or qualified employment in a bottleneck occupation. Persons who would like to receive support as a skilled worker in Germany must be unemployed within the EU. Persons who would like to start in-company vocational training must have a recognised school leaving certificate, but must not have finished in-company vocational training in their country of origin. For in-company vocational training, a third party (especially chamber organisations, economic-interest organisations) may become benefit recipients to promote projects. Within the scope of this project, the benefits specified in Paragraph I Number 1 through Paragraph I Number 6 may be applied for in bulk and upon granting be implemented and/or forwarded to the participants. For the benefits specified in Paragraph I Number 3 and Paragraph I Number 4 (travel allowances and financial assistance to secure a livelihood), it is imperative that a transfer agreement be concluded between the benefit recipient and the intern or trainee. Administrative costs of up to 5% of the total benefits without benefits granted under Paragraph I Number 4 Funding Index may be applied for if a group of at least ten trainees can be formed for each application. Benefit eligibility is also tied to the condition that the young people who aim for in-company vocational training are not charged with any costs by the applicant. 4. Other prerequisites and procedures 4.1 Granting of benefits requires a written application. For in-company vocational training the initial application may not be submitted more than twelve months before the planned start of vocational training. Applications can be filed starting 1 November 2013. 4.2 A positive vote by the placement agent of the BA/ZAV and/or a vocational training or employment offer in Germany is the prerequisite for the promotion of measures. 4.3 The promotion of German language skills must exclusively rely on measures by institutions which
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conduct ESF-BAMF language courses, are certified for integration courses by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees

(Bundesamt fr Migration und Flchtlinge BAMF),

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are Goethe Institutes based in Germany, or are approved institutions pursuant to Section 178 of Book Three of the German Social Code (SGB III) in connection with Section 2 AZAV (labour promotion and access regulation).

4.4 For training assistance, only institutions are approved which are certified pursuant to AZAV. The specialist field of the approval pursuant to Section 5 Paragraph 1 AZAV is of no significance in this case. 4.5 Payment of benefits for the promotion measures as mentioned in Section 2 which are incurred in EU countries other than Germany, such as German language courses in the country of origin and travel and moving expenses allowances from the country of origin to Germany, is generally made after advance payment by the applicant/the language institution abroad (refund principle). 4.6 Payment of benefits is only made upon provision of a training or labour contract in Germany or a positive vote by the placement agent of the BA/ZAV as well as proof of purposeful application of funds in accordance with the Funding Index.

Announcement
Published on Thursday, 31 October 2013 BAnz AT 31.10.2013 B2
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4.6.1 For language courses in EU countries other than Germany, purposeful application of funds can be proven by providing
the certification of participation prepared by the institution

responsible for the course,

the invoice prepared by the institution responsible for the

language course, and/or

the proof of payment.

4.6.2 For travel and moving expenses allowances, the purposeful application of funds can be proven by providing
a training or labour contract, provided that this is not about travel expenses to a job interview, and a certification by the training company or the employer that a job interview took place, - a certification by the training company that an internship or in-company vocational training has been taken up (travel

expenses allowance) or a certification by the employer that the employment relationship has started (moving expenses allowance). 4.7 Benefit notifications are prepared in the order as received. The Administrative Regulations (VV) on Section 44 BHO, Number 8 of Appendix 2 on VV Number 5.1 on Section 44 BHO and Sections 48 to 49 a VwVfG apply for granting, payment and accounting of benefits and the proof and the verification of usage and, if necessary, the invalidation of the benefit notification and reclaim of benefits, unless this directive and the Funding Index state otherwise. In derogation from VV Number 7.1 on Section 44 BHO, the ZAV may arrange for the benefits to be paid before the benefit notification comes into effect if that is the only way to comply with the goals of the support programme. This shall apply exclusively to natural persons as benefit recipients within the scope of individual support. 4.8 The authorising authority has the right of verifying the information provided by the benefit recipient. This right of the Federal Court of Audit (Bundesrechnungshof) derives from Sections 91 and 100 BHO. 5 Type, extent and amount of funds 5.1 Benefits are granted to applicants pursuant to Number 3.1 as project funds within the framework of deficit financing as non-refundable benefit. Applicants pursuant to Number 3.2 shall be granted benefits within the framework of full financing as non-refundable benefit. 5.2 Expenses are eligible if they are included in the attached Funding Index as component of this directive. 5.3 The funding volume of the special programme is up to EUR 139 m between 2013 and 2016. 6 Other directive provisions The authorising authority provides the BMAS with an overview of the application of funds and a summarising annual statement (statement of facts) including statistical facts for each year at the end of the first quarter of the following year. The provisions of VV Number 11 Letter a Sentence 2 on Section 44 BHO must be observed for this. 7 Start and duration of promotion 7.1 Benefits according to the Funding Index starting 2 January 2013 at the earliest and ending 31 December 2016 at the latest are promoted. 7.2 If the eligibility criteria cease to exist, promotion ends with the end of the current month. 8 Coming into effect The directive comes into effect on the day after publishing in the Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger). This directive is subject to change. Changes must be passed according to General Administrative Regulation Number 15.2 Sentence 2 on Section 44 BHO. This directive shall replace the directive dated 27 December 2012 (BAnz AT 02.01.2013 B5) Berlin, 28 October 2013 Federal Ministry for Labour and Social Affairs p.p. Dr E. Neifer-Porsch

Announcement
Published on Thursday, 31 October 2013 BAnz AT 31.10.2013 B2
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Appendix Funding Index Granting of benefits and verification I. The following benefits can be applied for as a preparation for in-company vocational training or the prior internship and the duration of in-company vocational training and/or the duration of the adaptation internship: 1. Funding of a preparatory German language course in the country of origin Benefit: Up to 16 weeks to the extent of 400 teaching units (TU) max. 45 minutes delivered in modular core elements, at the customary national rate, EUR 12/TU max. (including teaching and learning material).

Application procedure: Applications must be filed before the beginning of the language course and must include the institution responsible for the language course and the costs of the course. Applicants must include a positive vote by a placement agent of the BA/ZAV or a written internship or incompany vocational training offer. Verification: Provision of the certification of regular participation prepared by the institution responsible for the course and the invoice prepared by the institution for each of the started and/or completed language course modules and/or records of payment. 2. Funding or provision of a German language course accompanying the internship Benefit:: Up to 12 weeks to the extent of 210 teaching units (TU) 45 minutes;
EUR 12/TU max. (including teaching and learning material).

Application procedure: Applications must be filed before the beginning of the language course and must include the internship contract of the training company indicating the vocational training position and the registration of the applicant with an institution offering language courses. Verification: Certification of regular participation and the invoice prepared by the institution responsible for the language course and/or records of payment. 3. Travel allowances when taking the job interview, starting an internship, or starting, if applicable, prematurely terminating vocational training Benefit:: Travel allowances for the journey to the job interview and the start of the internship will be made in the form of a lump sum (outward and return journey) in the amount of EUR 200 each for a one-way distance of up to 500 km, or EUR 300 from 500 km onwards. EUR 500 may each be refunded for taking up and/or, if applicable, prematurely terminating in-company vocational training. This includes moving expenses, if any. The applicant must effect advance payment for all travel expenses.

Application procedure: Applications must be filed prior to the first journey and must include the designated training company. Applicants must include a positive vote by a placement agent of the BA/ZAV or a written internship offer and/or, if vocational training is taken up, the training contract. Verification: The following documents must be submitted (provision of tickets is not necessary): a) A certification by the training company that a job interview took place, b) Internship agreement and a certification by the training company that the internship has been started, or c) Training contract and a certification by the training company that in-company vocational training has been started and/or was ended prematurely. 4. Financial assistance to secure a livelihood during the internship preparing for vocational training and in-company vocational training. Benefit:
EUR 818 max. per month upon consideration of the internship pay, up to 3 months

(duration of the internship) and/or upon consideration of the training pay. Furthermore, two home journeys (outward and return journey) per training year are refunded as part of the vocational training, amounting to EUR 200 up to a one-way distance of 500 km, EUR 300 for more than 500 km. The requirement of EUR 818 max. increases by EUR 130 for childcare expenses if the trainee must take care of his/her own children. Application procedure: Applications must be filed before the beginning of the internship preparing for vocational training or before the beginning of the vocational training itself and must include the internship agreement or training contract of the training company. Verification: A certification of regular participation in the internship by the training company and/or a certification of the training company that the vocational training relationship continues to exist.

Announcement
Published on Thursday, 31 October 2013 BAnz AT 31.10.2013 B2
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5. Funding or provision of training assistance (promotion of German language skills, tutoring in addition to vocational school education, and socio-pedagogical assistance) Benefit: To which amount expenses can be accommodated for during the total training period at the maximum is generally based on BA flat rates for training assistance (abH measures), which differ depending on the region. To the extent that, due to cross-border mobility, promotion of social integration outside the scope of training assistance pursuant to Section 75 SGB III in terms of quality and/or quantity is necessary, additional costs for corresponding benefits can be provided in the form of a lump sum if the institution in question provides the necessary resources for the extra effort and expense. Moreover, it is possible in individual cases to grant an expense allowance for a voluntary guardian provided by non-profit institutions during the internship and the vocational training of EUR 85 max. per month and participant. Application procedure: Applications for the promotion of the young person in question must be filed before the beginning of training assistance and must include the training contract. A declaration by the institution must also be included stating that the necessary resources to cope with the extra effort and expense will be provided by the institution in case that costs for services are refunded which exceed the scope of training assistance as laid down in Section 75 SGB III in terms of quality and/or quantity. Verification: Regular reports by the service provider about the type and content of the service and the regular participation of the applicant. 6. Promotion of German language skills during the adaptation internship, socio-pedagogical assistance and assistance to secure a livelihood during the adaptation internship (12 months max.) Benefit: Promotion of German language skills during the adaptation internship, socio-pedagogical assistance (see Paragraph I Number 5 for benefits) as well as assistance to secure a livelihood during the adaptation internship upon consideration of the training pay during the third year of vocational training (see Paragraph I Number 4 for benefits).

Application procedure: Applications must be filed before the beginning of the adaptation internship and must include the certificate of the school-based vocational qualification from the home country, the letter of recognition by the competent authority (full recognition of the necessary theoretical knowledge, gaps related to technical hands-on skills and knowledge) as well as an adaptation internship plan and contract with the vocational training company which are based on it and are approved by the competent certification body. Verification: A certification of regular participation in the adaptation internship by the training company as well as a letter of recognition by the competent authority on the equivalence of the foreign vocational qualification upon completion of the adaptation internship. 7. Application for benefits by third parties Benefit: Apart from individual support, project funds by third parties (benefits recipients) may be granted. The benefits specified in Paragraph I Number 1 through Paragraph I Number 6 may be applied for in bulk by third parties and upon approval be implemented and/or forwarded. Administrative costs of up to 5% of the total benefits without benefits granted under Paragraph I Number 4 Funding Index may be applied for if a group of at least ten trainees can be formed. Benefit eligibility is also tied to the condition that the young people who aim at in-company vocational training are not charged with any costs by the applicant.

Application procedure: The application must be filed before the first benefit is received and must include all the documentation described in the benefits in Paragraph I Number 1 through Paragraph I Number 6 above as well as written confirmation by the companies that the corresponding number of internships and/or vocational training positions will be provided. A project schedule must also be provided, detailing the sequence of benefit modules relative to the beginning of incompany vocational training. Verification: In addition to the supporting documents for each benefit as described in the benefit modules, the benefit recipient is also required to present quantitative interim proof of use once a year. Forwarding of the benefits specified in Paragraph I Number 3 and Paragraph I Number 4, must be confirmed by means of a transfer agreement between the benefit recipient and the intern or trainee.

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II. The following benefits can be applied for as a preparation for or during qualified employment in a bottleneck occupation: 1. Funding of a German language course in the country of origin or in Germany Benefit: Up to 680 teaching units 45 minutes delivered in modular core elements, at the customary national rate, EUR 12/TU max. (including teaching and learning material). The applicant is free to choose in which European country the classes will be taken. The expenses for the certificate examination (level B-2 in the Common European Framework or Reference CEFR) may be refunded in the amount of up to EUR 150. Application procedure: Applications must be filed before the beginning of the language course and must include the institution responsible for the language course and the costs of the course. Applicants must include a positive vote by a placement agent of the BA/ZAV and/or a written employment offer in Germany. Verification: Provision of the certification of regular participation prepared by the institution responsible for the course and the invoice prepared by the institution for each of the started and/or completed language course modules and/or records of payment.

2. Travelling and moving expenses allowance for the journey to the job interview and/or the start of the employment. Benefit: Travel allowances for the journey to the job interview will be made in the form of a lump sum (outward and return journey) in the amount of EUR 200 each for a one-way distance of up to 500 km, or EUR 300 from 500 km onwards. A moving expenses allowance in the amount of
EUR 890 will be refunded for taking up employment. The applicant must effect advance payment

for all travel expenses. Application procedure: Applications must be filed prior to the journey to the job interview or the start of employment and must include the designated employer. Applicants must include a positive vote by a placement agent of the BA/ZAV or a written employment offer in Germany. Verification: The following documents must be submitted (provision of tickets is not necessary): a) A certification by the employer that a job interview took place, or b) The labour contract and certification by the employer that the applicant took up employment. 3. Accommodation of costs for acceptance procedures for regulated shortage occupations Benefit: Up to EUR 1,000 procedural costs including translations and certifications. In individual cases, expenses for adjustment measures to balance significant differences (adjustment course or aptitude test) can also be absorbed.

Application procedure: Applications must be filed before the beginning of the acceptance procedures and must include the foreign qualification. Applicants must include a positive vote by a placement agent of the BA/ZAV and/or a written employment offer in Germany. Verification: Provision of the invoice by the competent authority, the translations and certifications and the proof of payment. Expense allowance for a voluntary guardian provided by non-profit institutions for a first orientation of the young skilled workers in Germany of EUR 85 per month and participant (6 months max.).

4. Funding of a first orientation for young skilled workers in Germany Benefit:

Application procedure: The application must be filed before the non-profit institution of the voluntary guardian starts the measure and must include the labour contract of the young skilled worker to be accompanied. Payment is effected upon verification. Verification: Report by the voluntary guardian on the type and content of the service after completing the measure.