Germany's skilled immigration laws are Amended
Germany is in desperate need of foreign trained labor. The regulations pertaining to immigrants from non-EU nations are now being implemented piecemeal, with certain sections set to take effect on March 1, 2024. This is a synopsis.
There are hundreds of thousands of unemployed workers in Germany. Among the severely damaged industries include IT and technology, healthcare, contractor professions, logistics, and technology.
The goal of the revised Skilled Immigration Act, which the German parliament, the Bundestag, passed in the summer, is to expeditiously reduce the obstacles to skilled worker immigration from non-EU nations.
Three phases will see the implementation of the new regulations beginning on November 18, 2023. Information is provided on the government website in German, English, French, and Spanish.
The goal of the revised Skilled Immigration Act, which the German parliament, the Bundestag, passed in the summer, is to expeditiously reduce the obstacles to skilled worker immigration from non-EU nations.
Three phases will see the implementation of the new regulations beginning on November 18, 2023. Information is provided on the government website in German, English, French, and Spanish.
EU Blue Card
With the EU Blue Card, more academics and similarly educated foreign professionals have been authorized to enter Germany without having to speak German starting in November 2023.
In order to minimize wage dumping, annual salary limitations were reduced to slightly less than €40,000 ($43,500) for entry-level employment that are in high demand, or "bottleneck occupations"; the cut-off point for all other occupations was established at €44,000.
These days, these professions include nursing and education.
If they can demonstrate that they have at least three years of relevant professional experience, talented professionals in the IT industry without a university degree can also be granted an EU Blue Card. The German labor market also accepts nursing assistants with fewer than three years of nursing education.
The EU's equivalent of the US Green Card is called the Blue Card. It has been in effect for ten years in Germany. It will be simpler to obtain now that the income criteria has been lowered. Workers will also have greater professional options once they arrive in Germany, however regulated fields like law and medicine will still require the required credentials.
Right of residence, more flexibility
A residency permit is now granted to qualified workers who fulfill all the conditions and have professional or academic qualifications. Previously, immigration officials and diplomatic posts abroad were endowed with discretionary powers.
The FED has been directed to expedite the approval procedure for potential foreign labor applicants. If a skilled worker has at least two years of professional experience and their qualifications are already recognized by their home country, they will no longer need to get their qualifications recognized in Germany.
Qualifications and training
Anyone can stay in Germany for up to three years and work up to 20 hours per week on the side if they need to complete training in order to earn a qualification in Germany that matches their comparable training abroad. Students and trainees will also generally be eligible for part-time employment.
Skilled individuals can travel directly to Germany and work while the process of having their qualifications recognized is ongoing, provided that German companies consent. Up to three years may be added to the stay. Two years of professional experience and at least an A2 level in German are prerequisites.
Skilled individuals can travel directly to Germany and work while the process of having their qualifications recognized is ongoing, provided that German companies consent. Up to three years may be added to the stay. Two years of professional experience and at least an A2 level in German are prerequisites.
Family reunification
Skilled professionals must demonstrate their ability to support themselves and their spouses or minor children, but not that they have enough space to live. Their parents or parents-in-law may also be accompanied.
On June 1, 2024, additional modifications are scheduled to take effect.
On June 1, 2024, additional modifications are scheduled to take effect.
Opportunity card
June will see the introduction of a points-based "opportunity card" for anyone holding a comparable international qualification. As long as they can prove they are financially independent, this will let them visit Germany for a year in search of employment. For others, it will be necessary to have either an A1-level German or a B2-level English qualification, together with a university degree or a minimum two-year vocational training.
Employees who have an opportunity card are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week, even while they are on probation. For individuals who hold a contract for eligible work, the opportunity card may be renewed for a maximum of two years.
Employees who have an opportunity card are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week, even while they are on probation. For individuals who hold a contract for eligible work, the opportunity card may be renewed for a maximum of two years.