Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) The German government has proposed an immigration reform aimed at addressing the lack of skilled workers that the country is facing.
The proposal was drafted by the ministries of Interior and Labour and still needs to be approved by the parliament before it comes into force, according to DW reporting on Wednesday.
The proposal is part of a broader package of measures that the government is proposing to modernize Germany’s immigration system put in place in 2020 under then Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The government estimates that new rules would help Germany to attract approximately 60,000 additional skilled workers per year from non-EU countries, approximately doubling 2019 figures.
Proposed rules introduce a new points system focused on five categories – qualifications, experience, age, language proficiency, and connections to Germany such as relatives who live in the country.
Hubertus Heil, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, announced the reform at the end of 2022 and noted that applicants who meet the criteria would be considered.
Job vacancies reach record high
German authorities warned that the number of job openings reached nearly 2 million in the final quarter of last year, the highest level on record, stressing the importance of reforming the immigration system.
Proposed changes include the removal of obstacles to immigration, including a lower annual income threshold required to qualify and more relaxed rules for bringing family members to Germany.
As part of the plan, Germany is to issue EU Blue Cards, which allow holders to stay in the bloc for four years, to IT specialists who do not have a university degree.
In addition, skilled workers who do not have recognized degrees or certifications will be allowed to work in economic sectors other than those for which they are certified and have degrees.
German authorities pointed out that foreigners who work in Germany will have to show proof of salary levels, stressing that the measure is aimed at combating wage dumping.
According to new rules, foreigners with vocational certificates and university degrees will be allowed to stay in Germany for one year while they look for employment.
In addition, they would be allowed to work 20 hours per week while they look for permanent employment.