Skilled Labor Immigration Law to Address Workforce Shortages Across Healthcare, IT, and More
Germany faces a critical workforce shortage, with an urgent need for 400,000 foreign workers annually, according to the Federal Employment Office. As baby boomers approach retirement, this gap is expected to widen. In response, Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised streamlined reforms to attract international talent, and a new Skilled Labor Immigration Law is set to be voted on in the Bundestag this Friday.
The proposed law introduces three pathways for non-EU workers: recognition of qualifications through an expedited process, consideration of work experience, or eligibility via a point-based "opportunity card" system. The EU Blue Card, which has existed for highly qualified specialists, will also see reduced income requirements, making it more accessible. For IT professionals, experience can now substitute for a university degree. Additionally, the reforms aim to simplify the process for immigrants to switch industries and bring dependents to Germany.One key highlight is the opportunity card, which grants foreign professionals a year to find employment, offering casual work options during the job search. Furthermore, individuals with asylum applications filed before March 2023 and skilled workers with pending degree recognition will now have pathways to begin employment in Germany. These changes aim to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and open Germany's doors wider to skilled professionals from around the world.