25000 Foreign Workers Needed, as New Skilled Worker Immigration Law Is on NOW
Germany’s Skilled Worker Immigration Law Enters Second Stage
Germany’s Skilled Worker Immigration Law has entered its second stage, effective March 1, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to address labor shortages and attract skilled foreign workers. Building upon the initial phase introduced in November 2023, this new stage introduces several key changes aimed at streamlining the immigration process and expanding opportunities for qualified professionals.
Under the first stage of the law, emphasis was placed on facilitating the issuance of the “EU Blue Card” and supporting recognized skilled workers. Now, with the second stage in effect, individuals with two or more years of professional experience and a recognized professional or university degree from their country of origin are eligible to come to Germany and work in their field of expertise. This change is expected to simplify procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, making Germany a more attractive destination for skilled workers worldwide.
Federal Minister of the Interior and Homeland, Nancy Faeser, emphasized the importance of attracting skilled workers to support Germany’s economy and address labor shortages, particularly in critical sectors such as nursing. With an estimated 1.8 million unfilled jobs across the German economy and projections indicating a significant shortage of skilled workers in industries like renewable energy, the need for foreign talent has never been greater.
In addition to easing entry requirements for skilled professionals, the new phase of the law introduces measures to facilitate labor market access for workers in the care sector. Qualified nursing assistants will now have the opportunity to work in Germany, addressing shortages in the healthcare workforce. Moreover, non-EU nurses with less than three years of regulated nursing training will be eligible to work in the health and care sector, further expanding the pool of available talent.
Recognizing the importance of international students in Germany, the second phase of the Skilled Worker Immigration Law also includes provisions to enhance employment opportunities for students. Students will now be permitted to take on part-time jobs and will have more time to complete the process of having their professional qualifications recognized. These changes aim to make studying in Germany more attractive and provide students with additional financial support through employment opportunities.
Furthermore, the law introduces measures to address short-term labor shortages by allowing employers to hire up to 25,000 foreign workers for short-term employment in 2024. Foreign workers under this arrangement will be permitted to work for up to eight months in Germany, with a minimum working week requirement and full coverage of travel expenses by the employer.
Overall, Germany’s Skilled Worker Immigration Law represents a proactive approach to addressing labor market challenges and harnessing the talents of skilled professionals from around the world. By opening doors to qualified individuals and streamlining immigration procedures, Germany is positioning itself as a leading destination for global talent, driving economic growth and innovation in key industries.