Germany Approves New Immigration Law to Attract Skilled Workers

The German government has given its final approval to an innovative immigration law aimed at making it easier for skilled workers from outside the European Union (EU) to move to Germany.

Starting November 2023, Germany will introduce the law in three phases to streamline the migration of skilled non-EU workers while counterbalancing employment deficits. Authorities have drafted and instituted detailed plans with provisions set to take place in less than a month. The legislation earmarks aspiring professionals who lack academic qualifications. It also aims to ease entry restrictions on well-educated individuals seeking German employment. Dubbed the "opportunity card" this German program utilizes a point-based approach to facilitate the relocation of individuals with specific skills deemed crucial by Germany.

To retain skilled workers, Germany has created a qualifying system that factors in several aspects - qualifications, professional experience, age, German proficiency and connections to the country. This results in the much-coveted opportunity card, which will act as a permit for staying in Germany. Industries facing a shortage of skilled workers will receive renewed applications every year. To qualify for the card, the following criteria must be satisfied:

1. Holding a degree or vocational qualification

2. Having three years of work experience

3. German language proficiency or previous residency in Germany

4. Be 35 years old or younger

The opportunity card will allow individuals to enter Germany and search for employment while staying in the country, as opposed to applying from abroad. Germany plans to streamline the recognition of professional qualifications, giving skilled individuals a better advantage to secure employment in the country. Those with degrees or vocational certificates may remain in Germany for the purpose of job hunting, wherein they will be permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week.

In addition to these reforms, the country also seeks to simplify the process for skilled workers to bring their families to the country and obtain permanent residency. Germany and non-EU skilled workers have reasons to smile with the implementation of this new legislation. The new law aims to tackle the labour scarcity in the country while concurrently enabling skilled individuals from non-EU countries to reside and work in Germany.