Berlin (dpa) – The German government has agreed on new regulations for the immigration of skilled professionals. The cabinet has adopted a draft law that is designed to make Germany more attractive for qualified workers. Besides relaxing certain rules – relating for example to family reunification and the recognition of professional qualifications – the draft includes the introduction of a “Chancenkarte” (opportunity card) based on a points system. German language skills, professional experience, age and connections to Germany are among the criteria that will be taken into account when calculating the number of points.
Furthermore, the “Chancenkarte” offers opportunities to work on a trial basis or to take secondary employment in Germany. The conditions for obtaining a residence title (as the various forms of residence permit are known in the EU) for the purposes of seeking an apprenticeship or vocational training place will be relaxed significantly. Switching to a different type of residence title for employment or educational purposes will be allowed.