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IMMIGRATION REFORMS
Germany Needs to Tread with Caution
Plans to ease the entry process for foreign skilled workers have a flip side, one that should not be ignored.
A few days back, the German cabinet agreed in principle to wholesale immigration reforms in a bid to secure more skilled workers.
The proposals, aimed at making amendments to the Skilled Immigration Act — first introduced in March 2020, include an “opportunity card” for job seekers.
Among other things, the government plans to approve migration for people whose academic qualifications might not be formally recognized in Germany.
In some circumstances, the prospect of accepting someone with no German language skills may be considered.
The plans are also to do away with all restrictions on dual citizenship. A formal bill to this effect is expected to be introduced early next year, and if (and when) approved in the German parliament will become a law.
It is a fact that Europe’s biggest economy has an aging and shrinking workforce.
As per statistics available, around 400,000 to 500,000 positions are to be filled in key sectors like construction, health care, and hospitality.
