revised draft law
Traffic light with “milestone” for skilled workers immigration
06/19/2023 12:26 p.m
Foreign skilled workers should have easy access to the German labor market. The traffic light coalition has been working on the details of a corresponding draft law for a long time. The “giant milestone” now only has to be passed by the Bundestag.
The coalition factions have reached an agreement on the details of the Skilled Immigration Act, which is now to be passed by the Bundestag this week. “It is to be announced that we will draw up the Skilled Immigration Act and the Education and Training Promotion Act during this week’s session,” said SPD parliamentary group leader Katja Mast. This is “a huge milestone for the recruitment of skilled workers in the Federal Republic of Germany”. The question of qualified specialists has long since become one of the toughest factors for the economy.
In the deliberations between the parliamentary groups, the planned point system was “significantly improved” again, said FDP parliamentary group manager Johannes Vogel. A connection perspective with an “opportunity card” is created. “If the point-based immigration law goes through parliament this week, we’ll really make history.” Greens parliamentary group manager Irene Mihalic emphasized that skilled workers will be able to bring families with them, and those who have already arrived should be able to “change their purpose” if they meet the qualifications. People who have entered Germany on a tourist visa and who meet the requirements should be able to stay.
The draft law drawn up by Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (both SPD) provides for a point system for skilled workers from countries outside the European Union and easier recognition of foreign professional qualifications. Foreign skilled workers should also be able to be naturalized more quickly. The ten-point system is also to be used to issue a “chance card” that foreign skilled workers can use to apply for a job in Germany. The selection criteria should include qualifications, knowledge of German and English, professional experience and a connection to Germany.
A training guarantee for all young people is also planned with the Education and Training Promotion Act. “Every young person and every young person who wants an apprenticeship will get one in the future,” said Mast.
The federal government introduced the draft legislation at the end of March. This should make it much easier for workers to immigrate from countries outside the European Union (EU). According to the draft law, the federal government is hoping for around 60,000 additional workers each year. Around 400,000 skilled workers from abroad are needed every year.