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The shortage of skilled labour is affecting the country's economy and prosperity. A more open immigration law for skilled workers from abroad should counteract this shortage. Germany is implementing an improvement in immigration law so that qualified skilled workers from countries outside the EU and EEA are offered secure prospects for working, studying and training in Germany. The Act on the Further Development of Skilled Labour Immigration will come into force in three stages by June 2024. The first regulations, which are summarised below, came into force on 18 November 2023.
Employment of recognised skilled workers (Sections 18a, 18b AufenthG)
From 18.11.2023, recognised skilled workers will be entitled to a residence permit if all requirements are met. In addition, skilled workers who have entered Germany may work in any non-regulated profession. This means that if a skilled worker has a qualified vocational qualification or a university degree that has been recognised in Germany, they are not restricted to jobs related to this training when looking for a job. There are exceptions for regulated professions.
Changes to the EU Blue Card:
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for university graduates and specialists in certain professions from third countries. The following conditions for the issue of the EU Blue Card will be eased:
- Lowering of the salary threshold: minimum salary of 45.3% of the annual contribution assessment ceiling for pension insurance for bottleneck professions and young professionals, and 50% for all other professions.
- IT specialists: Obtaining the EU Blue Card even without a university degree, but with at least three years of comparable professional experience. In this case, the lower salary threshold for bottleneck professions applies.
- Expansion of the bottleneck occupations: In addition to the existing bottleneck professions (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, engineering and human medicine), a number of other professions, including those in the healthcare, education and information and communication technology sectors, are also considered bottleneck professions.
- Facilitating mobility within the EU with the EU Blue Card.
Changes for professional drivers:
It will be easier for the Federal Employment Agency to grant approval for the employment of professional drivers from third countries by eliminating the examination of professional practice requirements. In addition, there will no longer be a priority check and proof of language skills will no longer be required upon entry.
Further information can be found in our Infothek and in our handouts for companies and counsellors.
You can read the full text of the law here.