Berlin (dpa) – Lowered immigration hurdles are to attract more foreign skilled workers to Germany in future. Having passed through the Bundestag, the Federal Government’s reformed Skilled Workers Immigration Act has now been given final approval by the Bundesrat, Germany’s state chamber. Labour Minister Hubertus Heil called the amendment a “historic step”.
Among other things, the law provides for the introduction of a so-called Opportunity Card. Depending on their language skills, job experience, age and links with Germany, foreigners seeking work will be able to score points that entitle them to the card. It will then serve as a residence permit for one year, enabling the holder to look for work in Germany. A similar system has been established in Canada for many years.
In future, IT specialists will also be allowed to come to Germany without a university degree providing they can prove they hold certain qualifications. In addition, people involved in asylum proceedings who entered the country before 29 March 2023 and have the prospect of a qualified job will be given the opportunity to withdraw their asylum application and apply for a work and residence permit instead. In other words, they will be allowed to take up employment in Germany.
Discussion about this post