The German federal government wants to facilitate the influx of foreign skilled workers into Germany, as a result of which the cabinet developed the guidelines of a new law.
"Germany will need industrious hands and smart heads in the future. Ensuring skilled workers is equal to ensuring prosperity," said Labor Minister Hubertus Heil during the presentation of the new draft - according to the Tagesschau news site .
The social democratic politician also added that by 2035, at least one million new workers will be needed in almost all areas of the economy, such as patient care, child care, and local governments.
„We do everything we can to ensure that these professionals come to us. This, however, requires the steps that facilitate the access of foreign workers to German workplaces. The German government wants to recruit in the first round, this is an important and big step in our strategy ”
- emphasized the labor minister.
Barriers must be raised against immigrants
Robert Habeck, vice chancellor and minister responsible for the economy, highlighted that, in addition to climate protection and digitization, the demographic transition can also bring about serious changes in the labor market, so the immigration of skilled workers must be carried out quickly and pragmatically.
"Barriers must be raised in front of immigrants, and we will also improve their integration"
- promised the Green Party politician. Social Democrat Interior Minister Nancy Faeser also spoke optimistically and believes that the new draft law will soon be presented in its final form.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser speaks in Germany. A nation of immigration. Dialogue for participation and respect at Berlin's Festsaal Kreuzberg on November 28, 2022. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who also spoke at the event, presented his coalition government's plan to ease the obstacles for foreign residents to obtain German citizenship (Photo: EPA/Sean Gallup)
Hubertus Heil announced that the German parliament will put questions concerning the immigration of skilled workers on the agenda at the beginning of next year.
Professional experience in the crosshairs
The proposal also stipulates that recognized foreign skilled workers may in the future also work in a field that differs from their original occupation and education.
For example, a mechanic could work as a storekeeper, while a policeman could even work as a server. Professional experience would count a lot when applying for an employee visa, the news site explained.
In addition, it would not be mandatory to have the qualifications obtained at home recognized by the German authorities before entry. And students studying in higher education could enter the territory of the country using a simplified procedure, just as before.
In addition, promising jobseekers from third countries could come to Germany with the help of a points system, in order to find a job locally.
According to the agreement between the ministries, the evaluation would be based on criteria such as education, language skills, professional experience, attitude towards Germany, and age. In this new system, professional experience would also count to the greatest extent, Tagesschau noted.
Naturalization reform - "residence permit that gives opportunity"
Facilitated skilled worker immigration is only one part of the migration and asylum bill package, as Nancy Faeser will soon submit her draft to the cabinet, which would make it easier for foreign citizens living in the country to acquire German citizenship.
On Friday, the German parliament will decide on the so-called "opportunity residence permit",
which would give foreigners who have been living in Germany for many years, who are well integrated, but who have not yet settled their right of residence, the opportunity to stay in the country and take up work.
A person who can prove that he has been in the country for five years on October 31, 2022, and has no criminal record, would receive an 18-month temporary residence permit, during which time he would have the opportunity to manage his legal status, attend a language course, and get a job, the Tagesschau added. .
The entire article can be read at hirado.hu
Cover image: Photo: MTI/EPA/Martin Schutt
