German parliament passes reform immigration law for skilled workers

» Last updated on March 23rd, 2024 at 01:43 pm

The German parliament (Bundestag) passes a reform immigration law for skilled workers. This new (reformed) law that will make things much easier for non-EU citizens (any other countries except European Union member states) to look for work while living in Germany has passed through the Bundestag (German Parliament). This point-based German new immigration law for non-EU citizens is a big step in the recent history of Germany. Despite encountering numerous opposing opinions, the Bundestag successfully passed it on this Friday (June 23).

It is one of the most significant changes for people who wish to work and live in Germany. At the moment, only non-EU citizens with a concrete job offer from a German employer can apply for a work visa. But now things would be easier for non-EU citizens to come to Germany.

Points-based German immigration law

The points-based German immigration law aims to promote the relocation of skilled workers from non-EU countries to Germany, addressing the significant labor and skill shortages in the country. The law incorporates a Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) based on a points system specifically for this purpose.

What is in the reformed law?

The revised law contains some points that could attract foreigners to come to Germany. Jobseekers who can support themselves financially will be able to stay in Germany for up to one year with the new Chancenkarte (opportunity card). The Chancenkarte will also allow holders to switch jobs and engage in temporary or part-time work while seeking more long-term employment. It wasn’t possible with the current work visas, current laws bind them to certain positions. So the main two points are:

1. Jobseekers who can support themselves financially, are welcome to Germany even without a job and live up to one year!
2. Chancenkarte holders can switch jobs and engage in part-time 20 hours of work per week while seeking more long-term employment.

Who can come to Germany with the Chancekarte?

Anyone is welcome! However, fulfilling certain additional requirements is necessary. Individuals with a vocational qualification or a university degree will receive Chancenkarten. The new law simplifies the recognition process for foreign qualifications in Germany, facilitating a more streamlined approach.

German skilled worker immigration law point system

The German skilled worker immigration law point system is a mechanism to evaluate and prioritize potential immigrants based on their qualifications and skills. It assigns points to various factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and age.

This system aims to attract highly skilled individuals to contribute to Germany’s labor market and economy. In short, the scoring of applications will utilize a points system that takes into account factors such as age, connection to Germany, prior work experience, and proficiency in the German language. So which segment has how many points? No need to explain! Just have a look below…

Chance for Asylum seekers (Refugees)

If individuals who have applied for asylum in Germany before 29th March 2023 and are awaiting approval possess the necessary qualifications and have a job offer, they will receive permission to join the labor market in Germany. This will open a new window for Asylum seekers or refugees in Germany. They had to struggle a lot before. Now it will be easier for them to make their lives better in Germany.

Chance for Ausbildung

Ausbildung in Germany is a popular term. And now the German new immigration law for non-EU citizens not only enables refugees to work but also provides an opportunity to pursue vocational training, facilitating their integration into the workforce and society. In recent years, however, political asylum seekers could have Ausbildung anyway, but now the new law will make it lots easier.

Tourists are also welcome!

After passing this German new immigration law for non-EU citizens, a notable change applies to individuals in Germany on a tourist visa. They don’t need to leave the country and then return under an employment context. This modification allows them to directly transition to an employment status without the need for exit and re-entry procedures. Such a change simplifies the process and facilitates the seamless transition of individuals from tourist status to authorized employment within Germany.

Who will get the Chancekarte?

The Chancekarte is a concept in the German skilled worker immigration law. It is welcoming highly skilled individuals to the country. So what type of qualifications someone needs to get the Chancekarte? What type of prerequisites are out there? Let them check at a glance:

• The opportunity card is initially valid for one year and someone can extend it for a further two years if individuals have an employment contract.
• Anyone who can show a degree recognized in Germany immediately meets the conditions for an Opportunity Card.
• Anyone who has two years of vocational training or a university degree that is state-recognized in their home country can also apply for an opportunity card.
• To qualify for Chancekarte someone must demonstrate basic German language skills (A1) and acquire six points under the specified system.

As we mentioned earlier, the points are calculated based on language proficiency, professional experience, age etc.

German new immigration law for non-EU citizens: what next?

On 23rd June 2023, the Bundestag approved the law. The Bundesrat is expected to address a complementary regulation to the law on 7th July 2023. Certain provisions of the law will become effective from November 2023, while others will come into effect six or nine months after being announced. This timeline is designed to allow the authorities involved sufficient time to implement the necessary measures.

What thinks the German government about the new immigration law for non-EU citizens?

It may come as a surprise, but the German government expresses a high level of positivity towards this law. In her speech to the members of parliament, Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser mentioned, It’s a good day for the Federal Republic of Germany. She said, ‘Today we passed the most modern immigration law in the world.’

German new immigration law for non-EU Citizens PDF

1 file(s) 981.18 KB

Download

German new immigration law for Foreigners: at a Glance

There are three simple three new ways of immigrating skilled workers to Germany. The further developed Skilled Immigration Act creates new opportunities to enter Germany:

• Qualification: Those who have a degree should be able to do any qualified job in the future.
• Experience: Individuals with a minimum of two years of professional experience and a state-recognized professional qualification in their country of origin will have the opportunity to immigrate as workers. Professional qualification recognization isn’t mandatory anymore. It means less bureaucracy and shorter procedures.
• Potentials: A job-hunting opportunity card based on a point system. The selection criteria include qualifications, knowledge of German and English, work experience, connection to Germany, age and life partner or spouse.

German Skilled Immigration Act 2023-related FAQs

Final thoughts

In conclusion, we would say, the reform of immigration law for skilled workers by the German parliament marks a significant milestone. It will attract talent from around the world and shape Germany’s labor market. This law, with its focus on a points-based system and simplified recognition of foreign qualifications, will open up new opportunities for individuals. Which will add valuable skills and experience to Germany’s economy. The new law will definitely reduce bureaucratic hurdles and attract a highly skilled workforce. Skilled workers from non-EU countries can thrive and make significant contributions to their chosen fields.