Germany recently passed an immigration law aimed at creating job opportunities for individuals from countries outside the EU and refugees already residing in the country. The law, which was approved last week Friday, is expected to address the shortage of skilled workers in Germany.
The Interior Minister of Social Democrats (SPD), Nancy Faeser, stated that the draft law is designed to ensure prosperity in Germany, but emphasized the importance of dismantling bureaucratic hurdles during its implementation. The country is facing a labor shortage, with 1.74 million vacant positions recorded in 2022, according to the Institute for Employment Research (IAB).
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, together with Minister Faeser, stressed the need to streamline bureaucracy, enhance digitalization, and improve system efficiency. Scholz highlighted that having an adequate number of skilled workers is crucial for securing the future, economic efficiency, and social security systems of Germany.
Here are key details about the immigration law and its provisions for job opportunities:
1. The reforms aim to modernize Germany's immigration legislation, making it easier for third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) to work in the country. It is estimated that the reforms could increase the number of non-EU workers in Germany by 60,000 annually, according to Euro News.
2. The Skilled Immigration Act focuses particularly on workers with vocational, non-academic training. The existing rules for qualified professionals with university degrees will also be relaxed.
3. To address the shortage of skilled workers, Germany plans to introduce an "opportunity card" called the chancenkarte. This card will utilize a points-based system to facilitate the entry of workers possessing the required skills.
4. The points system will consider qualifications, professional experience, age, German language proficiency, and ties to Germany.
5. Quotas will be established annually based on industries requiring workers. To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must meet three out of four criteria: a degree or vocational training, three years of professional experience, language skills or a previous stay in Germany, and being 35 years old or younger.
6. While currently most non-EU citizens need a job offer before relocating to Germany, the introduction of the chancenkarte is expected to simplify and expedite the process for individuals seeking employment in the country.
7. Citizens of certain countries with visa agreements can already enter Germany visa-free for up to 90 days, but they are only allowed to engage in short-term employment.
8. The opportunity card will enable individuals to come to Germany and search for a job or apprenticeship while being present in the country, rather than applying from abroad. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to cover their living expenses during this period.
9. The precise details of the scheme are yet to be finalized, and the chancenkarte is expected to be available no earlier than the end of 2023.
10. The new system aims to make it easier for individuals with professional experience, rather than a university degree, to work in Germany.
11. Germany will become more receptive to recognizing job experience and professional qualifications obtained in applicants' native countries. Currently, the country has strict requirements for recognizing qualifications.
12. The law will also ease the process for individuals without a job offer to seek employment in Germany using the opportunity card.
13. Qualified job seekers with degrees or vocational certificates will be permitted to stay in Germany for one year as
13. Qualified job seekers with degrees or vocational certificates will be allowed to stay in the country for one year as they search for employment. While looking for full-time employment, they will be permitted to work up to 20 hours per week.
14. Rules will also be eased for those with a job offer and a recognised diploma. Salary thresholds will be lowered, it will be easier for workers to bring their families to Germany, and it will be easier to gain permanent residency.
15. Job opportunities are open in Germany for immigrants that are craftspeople, electrical engineers, IT specialists, careers, nurses, catering and hospitality professionals.