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Details Of Germany New immigration law
In June this year, the German parliament approved a new immigration law aimed at attracting skilled workers to the country. Germany, which is facing an unprecedented labor deficit, is set to implement part of the law by November.
Following this approval, authorities have outlined a phased rollout of the law, with its effective implementation anticipated in November 2023, March 2024, and June 2024.
The amendments focus primarily on attracting workers from non-EU countries who have non-academic training. The law introduces a point-based system that eases entry requirements based on the applicant's professional expertise, age, and linguistic proficiency.
The law, supported by the ruling center-left SPD, the liberal FDP, and the Greens, received a vote of 388 in favor, 234 opposed, with 31 abstentions.
"This proposed legislation secures prosperity in Germany," remarked Interior Minister Nancy Faeser while presenting the government's strategy in the chamber. However, she stressed that its success depends on overcoming bureaucratic hurdles during its implementation.
"The scarcity of skilled labor is widely regarded as one of the most significant constraints on Germany's economic growth, and the absence of skilled labor is conspicuous," added Faeser. She labeled this legislation as "a monumental stride towards our nation's future."
To address the shortage of migrant workers, Germany is set to introduce an "opportunity card". This card allows foreign citizens without prior employment to reside in Germany for up to one year in search of employment.
Eligibility for the Opportunity Card is dependent on holding a vocational qualification or university degree.
The allocation of opportunity cards will be determined by meeting specific criteria, with applicants earning points. These criteria may include proficiency in German and/or English, established ties with Germany and the possibility of the spouse or spouses transferring to the German labor market.
Why did Germany change its immigration policies?
Much like other European nations, Germany is grappling with a dearth of skilled labor.
In 2022, the country's labor shortage reached a record high, with the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) identifying 1.74 million vacant positions across Germany.
In July last year, almost half of all companies surveyed by Munich-based research institute IFO were hit by staff shortages, necessitating a slowdown in operations.
Germany aims to bridge this gap with qualified professionals from beyond the EU. Nevertheless, the country is currently burdened with bureaucratic hurdles that hinder the immigration process.
During a press conference at the Federal Office for Foreign Affairs (BfAA) on January 17, 2023, Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized that modernizing the visa process entails a comprehensive transformation.
In tandem with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, she underscored the importance of streamlining processes, reducing bureaucracy, and enhancing the digitalization and efficiency of the system.
Scholz Said 👇
