BFederal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) has presented key points for a modern immigration law for departmental approval. Germany needs qualified specialists to remain economically successful, said Heil. This would also require significantly more immigration of skilled workers. The coalition wants to pave the way “to attract clever minds and helping hands” for the German job market. In the first quarter of 2023, the Federal Cabinet is to decide on the necessary amendments to the law.
The key issues paper states that the future immigration of skilled workers should be based on three pillars. The Ministry speaks of a specialist, an experience and a potential pillar. As before, the EU Blue Card for university graduates and the national residence permit for skilled workers with a German degree or a degree recognized in Germany remain the central elements of immigration (skilled workers pillar). However, a new regulation should provide that a skilled worker can carry out any qualified employment in the future. A mechanic should therefore also be able to work as a logistician.
Immigrants who have at least two years of professional experience and a professional qualification that is state-recognized in their country of origin should also have an easier time working in Germany in the future (experience pillar). According to the paper, immigration conditions for IT workers are to be further improved. So far they have been able to come to Germany without a recognized qualification, but now the salary threshold is to be lowered. In addition, they no longer have to prove their knowledge of German.
A so-called opportunity card is intended to make it easier for people to immigrate to Germany who do not have an employment contract (pillar of potential). Interested parties can receive the “chance card” if they meet certain criteria: foreign qualification, professional experience, language skills or a previous stay in Germany. The specific requirements for receiving the “opportunity card” would only be determined in the legislative process. This, in turn, will only begin after the key points have been adopted by the cabinet, said a spokesman for the Ministry of Labor.
The so-called lane change, which Heil has already announced more often, is not included in the paper. This is intended to enable asylum seekers to gain secure prospects in Germany by taking up work. According to the spokesman, there should be a separate departmental vote on this. According to the Residence Act, this is a training or employment toleration that falls under the responsibility of the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
