The German Bundesrat and Bundestag have approved an amendment to the employment regulation, making a so-called “eSports visa” possible. This is seen as an important signal for Germany and Europe to equate eSports in gaming with traditional sports.
This is the amendment: The employment regulation is set to be changed so that skilled workers can enter Germany more easily. This is a step against the “skills shortage” that everyone keeps talking about. This change will include a clause that allows foreign eSports players to come to Germany more easily to work here.
eSports players no longer need approval from the employment agency; it is sufficient for the relevant top association to confirm that they are professional eSports players. This is called the “eSports visa”. This results in significantly fewer bureaucratic hurdles. For professional athletes in traditional sports, such rules already exist.
The Bundestag had already approved the amendment in November; now the Bundesrat has given its “okay”. This change is expected to take effect from March 2020.
What must eSports players fulfill for the visa?
- They must be at least 16 years old
- They must earn a minimum salary
- and the form of sport practiced must be of “significant national or international importance”
The German eSports Association sees this as a victory for itself and gaming
This is how it is seen: The German eSports Association, ESBD, considers it a victory. They have been continuously advocating for this visa.
It is stated by Hans Jagnow, the president:
“The eSports visa strengthens Germany as a host for international events and enables targeted player recruitment from third countries.
A visa specifically for eSports is unique worldwide and serves as a model for other countries.”
Hans Jagnow, ESBD President
Already in October, Jagnow said (via eSportsinsider), this change would give Germany a considerable advantage. Because it would bring “complete equality” for eSports and traditional sports in Germany’s visa law.
Currently, visa issues hinder the development of professional eSports across Europe. Teams and tournament organizers face challenges bringing citizens from non-EU countries into their respective nations. The plans of the federal government send a strong signal to other countries.
Overall, this is seen as an important step towards recognizing eSports and traditional sports as equivalent. In Germany, Berlin is particularly a hub for eSports. Here, globally significant tournaments take place for games such as League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, or PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG).
Now they just need to resolve the internet issue in Berlin, as there have been complaints lately.
