Vietnam and Germany on July 2 signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) on Vietnamese citizens working in Germany as caregivers.

It is the first such document on labour export that has officially been signed between the two countries.

Earlythis April, Vivantes – Germany's largest healthcare group based inBerlin – had signed a contract with the Vietnamese labour ministry toemploy caregivers at its hospitals.

Under the LOI, 200 peoplewho will be sent to Germany as the first batch of caregivers will attenda German language course starting in August for a B2-level certificateat the Goethe Institute (of Germany) in Hanoi.

Next year, they will travel to Germany for training in caregiving skills.

Eachperson selected will pay 300 euros (330 USD) to the Centre for OverseasLabour under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs tomanagement and training costs.

No other fee will be charged, either as brokerage or for placement.

InGermany, the selected workers will attend a three-year course incaregiving skills. For this, they will get a monthly scholarship of 800euros (885 USD) in the first year, 870 euros (962 USD) for the secondyear and 1,000 euros (1,100 USD) for the third year.

Aftergraduation, each caregiver will be able to earn between 1,800 and 2,300euros (1,990 – 2,540 USD), enjoying the same working conditions asGerman nationals.

As Germany's population ages, demand forcaregivers, especially for the elderly, is very high, creating jobopenings for citizens from other countries.-VNA