Globalization has brought profound changes to the job market and is enabling skilled workers to deploy their professional qualifications across the globe. At the same time, however, migrants face the challenge of having to obtain recognition of the qualifications they have acquired abroad from the authorities in their new country of employment in order to obtain a work permit.
This process, commonly known as nostrification, can be bureaucratic, time-consuming and expensive. However, artificial intelligence (AI) offers solutions to simplify and expedite this process.
The role of AI in nostrification and recognition
Artificial intelligence has the potential to streamline the complex and often lengthy procedures involved in the recognition of qualifications. This article outlines some of the key applications of AI in this context:
1) Automated document verification
One of the first steps in obtaining recognition of foreign qualifications is to submit certificates, diplomas and other documentation. These documents often have to be authenticated and translated, which can be costly and time-consuming. AI can assist with document verification: AI-powered systems can automatically verify the authenticity of documents by cross-referencing them with official databases. This shortens the process considerably and reduces the risk of forgeries.
2) Simplified qualification assessment
Another barrier to the nostrification process is that it is often difficult to compare qualifications from different countries, as education systems vary greatly around the world. AI can provide support here by:
- Performing automatic equivalence assessments: AI can analyze large volumes of educational data and calculate the comparability of foreign qualifications with national standards. This facilitates a faster and more objective assessment of foreign qualifications.
- Identifying additional requirements: KI can identify potential gaps in training and make recommendations for necessary additional qualifications or further training opportunities that will enable the applicant to fulfill national requirements.
3) Optimizing processes and automating administrative tasks
Time-consuming bureaucratic formalities can slow down recognition procedures. AI can help to optimize these processes and cut down on processing times. Examples of possible applications include:
- Automated application processing: AI-based systems can process applications for recognition faster and more efficiently as they analyze, verify and assess the submitted documents automatically.
- Predicting processing times: Government agencies can use AI to develop predictive models to improve estimates of the average processing time for certain applications and provide applicants with more accurate information.
4) Using chatbots for individual advice and support
Applicants often find it difficult to navigate through the bureaucratic labyrinth of recognition procedures. AI-supported chatbots can play a crucial role here:
- Providing information in real time: Chatbots are available 24/7 to answer questions, such as which documents are needed, the next steps to take, or who to contact next.
- Customized advice: AI-supported systems can provide tailored recommendations based on the information submitted, e.g., which additional courses are necessary or which government agency is responsible for recognition.
5) Predicting employability
In addition to facilitating the recognition of their qualifications, AI can also help migrants assess their career opportunities in their country of destination. This includes:
- Analyzing labor market demand: AI systems can evaluate current labor market data and provide applicants with tailored suggestions on sectors and occupations where their qualifications are in high demand.
- Professional development opportunities: AI can use the analyzed data as a basis for recommending further training or additional qualifications to enhance labor market prospects.
Challenges and limitations of AI support
While AI can provide substantial support in the nostrification and recognition of qualifications, there are also challenges that must be addressed:
- Data security and data privacy: Sensitive personal and occupational data must be processed in accordance with strict data protection regulations in order to protect applicants’ privacy. The AI systems used by M-Hub.ai do not store any personal data in order to achieve learning outcomes. Documents are only checked for authenticity and accuracy (e.g., language) and are not processed further.
- Transparency and fairness: AI-based systems must be transparent and traceable to ensure that they do not introduce unconscious bias or discrimination into the recognition process.
- Limited flexibility in complex cases: Some qualifications or educational pathways are so specific or unusual that it is difficult to integrate them into standardized AI-supported systems.
Conclusion
The integration of artificial intelligence into the processes involved in nostrification and the official recognition of professional qualifications offers enormous potential for speeding up and simplifying these processes and making them more user-friendly for applicants and administrators. While some challenges such as data privacy and transparency still need to be addressed, it is clear that AI can play a key role in facilitating the international mobility of skilled workers and improving their access to new labor markets. AI-based solutions help to smooth the path to obtaining a new work visa and integrate international skilled workers into the host country’s labor market more quickly and efficiently.