On June 23, the German parliament Bundestag introduced amendments to the 2020 Law on Immigration, expanding opportunities for new workers to enter the country. The amendments opened up job search and placement opportunities not only to EU member states but also to citizens of other countries. The changes focused on both highly skilled professionals and various skilled workers, and lifted restrictions on legal employment for tourists, asylum seekers, and individuals without recognized qualifications or diplomas.
The amendments introduced conditions for issuing work visas to job seekers. The application for job seeking must have been submitted after March 29, 2023, and potential labour migrants must meet specific requirements based on their situation. The new requirements are less strict, eliminating the need for recognized qualifications and considering two years of work experience in the relevant field.
Highly skilled professionals are eligible for the Blue Card, which provides advantages, especially in the IT sector, based on work experience. Alternatively, there is the "Opportunity Card" system, similar to those in countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, which considers factors such as age, qualifications, language skills, and connection to Germany. A minimum of 12 points is required to qualify for the "Opportunity Card."
Neither the Blue Card nor the "Opportunity Card" requires a job offer beforehand; finding employment within one year is sufficient. With the "Opportunity Card," individuals can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies and extend it for up to two years. Blue Card holders have additional benefits, such as a higher salary threshold, flexibility in working in other fields, and the ability to bring their spouse and children if they meet certain criteria.
Foreign students in Germany are allowed to engage in additional employment while studying, typically alongside German students. Many countries are also implementing favourable conditions to attract skilled workers due to the global technological race and the need for talent.
Germany, like other European states, faces challenges due to an ageing population and a shortage of workers in sectors like healthcare, elderly care, child care, transportation, and construction. The ageing population leaves the labour market and requires additional support, exacerbating the shortage of skilled workers.
Germany experienced record population growth in 2022, primarily driven by an influx of immigrants from Ukraine. However, the law prohibits immigrants, except for Ukrainians, from working, creating a paradoxical situation where the country provided welfare to a large number of immigrants while existing immigrants accounted for 4% of the workforce. The new law aims to address this dilemma.
Germany has attracted a global workforce, and the 2020 law amendments have made it easier for highly skilled professionals from outside the EU to enter the country. Individuals subject to deportation since December 31, 2022, are also granted permission to stay in Germany.
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