Germany to Pass Law Facilitating Immigration for Skilled Workers from Non-EU Countries

Germany is poised to enact a new law this week that aims to streamline the process for skilled workers from non-EU countries to immigrate for work purposes. The agreement to pass the law was reached on Monday by lawmakers from the ruling coalition parties, signaling the government's commitment to address labor shortages and enhance economic development.

Katja Mast of the Social Democratic Party highlighted the significance of this long-awaited reform, stating that it would modernize Germany's immigration policies. The goal is to establish easier rules that will facilitate the entry of skilled workers from third countries, providing a boost to the German economy.

The draft legislation, which was unveiled by the German government in March, projects an increase of approximately 60,000 workers from non-EU countries annually. The reform seeks to attract individuals who can contribute to Germany's economic growth, opening up opportunities for them to enter the country.

Under the proposed law, foreign workers will have three pathways to enter Germany. The first pathway requires presenting a professional or university degree recognized in Germany, along with an employment contract. The second pathway mandates a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in addition to a degree or vocational training. The third pathway introduces a new concept called the "opportunity card," which allows foreign workers without a specific job offer to enter Germany if they have the potential to find employment.

This legislation comes in response to Germany's labor shortage crisis, which is affecting a significant number of professions. According to a report by the Federal Labour Agency, out of the 1,200 professions surveyed, 200 of them struggled with labor shortages last year. To address this issue, Germany is seeking agreements with various third countries to attract skilled workers and bridge the gap in its workforce.

In addition to the new law, Germany has extended regulations for job-seekers from Western Balkan countries, including Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia, and Serbia. This extension allows Germany to recruit up to 50,000 workers annually from these countries, further contributing to the effort to alleviate labor shortages.

By passing this law, Germany aims to modernize its immigration policies and make it easier for skilled workers from non-EU countries to contribute to its economy. The streamlined process will help address labor shortages and strengthen Germany's position in the global market by attracting talented individuals who can fill key positions across various sectors.

By fLEXI tEAM