Pixabay © Nikolaus Bader
On 23 June 2023, the Bundestag passed the law on the further development of skilled labour immigration. Most of the new regulations are expected to come into force in the first few months of 2024.
The changes are intended to make it easier for foreign skilled workers to come to Germany and counteract the ongoing shortage of skilled labour. Three main areas have been identified: the skilled labour pillar, the experience pillar and the potential pillar.
For example, the changes extend the possibilities of the EU Blue Card by lowering existing salary thresholds for standard and bottleneck occupations. The change of employer is also to be made easier if the card is already available, as is family reunification.
Proof of professional recognition of the qualification in Germany before the interested skilled worker enters the country is no longer necessary if the person can show at least two years of professional experience and a professional qualification acquired abroad and recognised by the state there. In addition, a salary threshold must be reached. Foreign skilled workers can enter Germany with these requirements and only start the recognition procedure in Germany.
An opportunity card is to be introduced for all those who have not yet received a concrete job offer but have great potential. The assessment will be based on a points system. Language skills, work experience and other criteria play a role here.
Further information can be found at
https://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2023/kw25-de-fachkraefte-954400