"language requirements" mean they just verify you have enough of a knowledge to perform in the profession your are moving for. They do not require any sort of conversational fluency

you'd need basic conversational fluency for the vast majority of jobs, and even those that don't still require enough language skills that you'd satisfy what most people mean when they say 'learn the language'. i think you're assuming a higher bar than is required - we're talking the ability to give location directions, order food, ask basic questions, etc, not testify in court. i meet many people who are not able to do these basic things, and i think it's ridiculous and there's no excuse.

as for harder than they're given credit for - i'm able to do this in another language and had no problems. i actually have a certification for that language at a decent level for job purposes. it did take awhile to get but it was doable. i met a lot of great people in my courses from all over the world who were doing the same thing.

it's not rocket science to understand this.