German Immigration Law Reform

The German parliament recently approved an immigration law to increase the influx of workers from countries outside the European Union, including Nigeria, to address the skilled labor shortage in Germany. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser of the Social Democrats (SPD) highlighted the need to remove bureaucratic obstacles to implementing the law successfully. According to Euro News, Germany witnessed a record-high labor shortage in 2022, with 1.74 million vacant positions across the country, leading to a focus on streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Faeser emphasized the importance of attracting skilled workers to ensure Germany’s future prosperity and economic efficiency. While the European Union allows freedom of movement for workers within its member states, drawing qualified individuals from outside the EU poses a more significant challenge, Scholz noted.

To shed light on the critical aspects of this law and its impact on job opportunities for Nigerians and other nationals, the following points are worth noting:

1. The proposed reforms seek to modernize Germany’s immigration legislation, making it easier for third-country nationals to work there. Euro News estimates that these reforms could increase the number of non-EU workers in Germany by 60,000 annually.
2. The reforms primarily target workers with vocational training rather than academic degrees. The existing regulations for qualified professionals with university degrees will also be relaxed.
3. Germany plans to address its shortage of skilled workers by introducing an “opportunity card” known as the chancenkarte. This card will utilize a points-based system to facilitate the entry of workers possessing the required skills.
4. The points-based system will consider qualifications, professional experience, age, German language proficiency, and connections to Germany.
5. Each year, quotas will be established based on industries requiring workers. In addition, applicants must fulfill at least three of four criteria, including having a degree or vocational training, three years of professional experience, language skills, or a previous stay in Germany, and 35 years old or younger.
6. Most non-EU citizens must have a job offer before relocating to Germany. While a visa exists for job seekers, the chancenkarte is expected to simplify and expedite the process for individuals seeking employment in Germany.
7. Citizens of specific countries with visa agreements can enter Germany visa-free for up to 90 days but 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 residing in the country rather than applying from abroad. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to cover their living expenses during this period.
9. The exact details of the scheme are yet to be completed, and it is not anticipated that the chancenkarte will be available until at least the end of 2023.
10. The new system aims to make it easier for individuals with professional experience, regardless of a university degree, to work in Germany.
11. Germany will be more receptive to job experience and professional qualifications recognized in the workers’ home countries. The current strict criteria for identifying capabilities will be relaxed.
12. The opportunity card will also make it easier for individuals who have a job offer to seek employment in Germany.
13. Qualified job seekers with degrees or vocational certificates can stay in the country for up to one year while searching for employment. During this time, they can work up to 20 hours per week.
14. The rules will be relaxed for individuals with a job offer and recognized diplomas, including lowering salary thresholds, facilitating the relocation of families, and simplifying obtaining permanent residency.
15. Immigrants with skills in various fields, such as craftsmanship, electrical engineering, IT specialists, careers, nurses, catering and hospitality professionals.

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Source: Omanghana.com