.jpg)
1. Background and development of the law
Since 2005, there have been various attempts to facilitate labor migration. The Skilled Workers Immigration Act of 2020 was a significant step to simplify the influx of qualified workers. The new law builds on this and introduces further liberalizations.
2. The structure of the law: three pillars
The Act is based on three main areas:
The column of skilled workers: This includes regulations for people with qualified vocational training or university degrees. The extension of the EU Blue Card, which makes it easier for university graduates to get to Germany, is important here.
The pillar of experience: This area honors professional experience. People with at least two years of professional experience and a recognized professional qualification in their country of origin can now immigrate more easily.
The pillar of potential: A significant innovation is the introduction of the so-called opportunity card. It allows foreigners to come to Germany without a specific job offer in order to look for work here or to obtain qualifications.
3. The opportunity card: A new instrument
The opportunity card is particularly interesting for companies that want to recruit internationally. Based on a points system, it enables specialists to come to Germany and look for work here. The points are awarded based on criteria such as qualification, language skills and professional experience.
4. Other important changes
Settlement permit: The requirements for a settlement permit have been simplified. Skilled workers can now obtain a permanent residence permit more quickly.
Short-term employment for seasonal workers: Employers in seasonal industries now have the option of employing workers from abroad for specific periods of time.
5. Implementation challenges
Despite the positive approaches, there are concerns about implementation. There is a lack of personnel capacity at immigration authorities, which can lead to delays in processing applications. This could lead to problems, particularly with the opportunity card, as its allocation is complex due to the points system.
conclusion
The new law on skilled immigration is an important step towards combating the shortage of skilled workers in Germany. It offers companies new opportunities to attract qualified workers from abroad. However, administrative challenges must be addressed in order to be able to fully exploit the potential of the law. As an entrepreneur, you should find out about these changes and check how you can use them for your recruitment.
