Migration of skilled workers: Special rules to apply for IT Specialists

The German government has launched a draft for an amended law on the immigration of skilled workers.

IT experts will no longer have to know German. In future, it will be easier for IT specialists to immigrate to Germany. For example, they will no longer have to prove that they have knowledge of the German language. The language requirement will thus in future be at the discretion of the employer making the specific job offer. The minimum salary threshold for IT specialists and the length of professional experience that must be proven are also to be adjusted to the lowered level of the EU’s “Blue Card” for technical professions.

Computer Experts can already come to germany

This is the result of the federal government’s draft reform of the Skilled Workers Immigration Act and an associated ordinance, which the federal cabinet launched on Wednesday on the basis of the key points adopted in November. According to the bill, IT specialists will be able to obtain a blue card in the future “if they do not have a university degree but can prove they have certain non-formal qualifications.” Computer experts can already come to Germany without a degree on the basis of extensive professional experience. However, the formal conditions for this in the areas of wages and previous employment time are to be further reduced.

Opportunity map with points system

The ministries in charge of labor and the interior thus expect a total increase of 15,000 applications per year in the IT sector alone, 70 percent of which will be new immigrants and 30 percent with a change of status. In general, the following will apply from now on: Anyone with a university degree can work in any qualified job. Furthermore, it should become more attractive to come to Germany for vocational training or studies and to stay here. For people with a foreign vocational qualification of at least two years’ duration, an opportunity card based on a points system will be introduced to help them find a job. The selection criteria include language skills, work experience, age and connection to Germany. The one-year entry card is intended to provide options for trial work or part-time employment.

Many Companies have difficulties finding qualified skilled workers

“Many companies have long had considerable difficulty finding qualified skilled workers,” the government says, explaining its initiative. “The number of vacancies in 2022 was around 1.98 million, the highest figure ever measured.” The digital association Bitkom, which says there is currently a shortage of 137,000 IT experts in this country, described the plan as overdue. However, the steps that have been taken are not enough to solve the problem of skilled workers. When it comes to issuing visas, for example, the responsible authorities – from the embassy to the Federal Employment Agency – must finally expand their digital interfaces in order to bring more speed and transparency to the procedures. The points system of the opportunity card is also too complicated and does not make things easier for the IT sector in particular.

Source: Heise.de – 29.03.2023- : Heise.de

Why is it so difficult for companys to find workers and why there is such a big missmatch?

There are several reasons why companies may find it difficult to find workers, and why there may be a mismatch between the skills that employers are looking for and the skills that job seekers possess.

Here are a few possible factors:

1. Skills Shortages: In some industries, there may be a shortage of workers with the specific skills and qualifications that employers are looking for. This can be due to a lack of training programs or educational opportunities in those fields.
2. Geographical Mismatches: Job opportunities may be concentrated in certain regions, while job seekers may be located in different areas. This can create a mismatch between the available jobs and the location of job seekers.
3. Demographic Shifts: Changes in the demographics of the workforce, such as an aging population, can result in a shortage of workers in certain industries or regions.
4. Mismatches in Education and Training: Job seekers may possess education and training that do not align with the specific skills that employers are looking for. This can result in a mismatch between the skills that job seekers possess and the skills that employers require.
5. Wage and Benefit Levels: Employers may offer wages and benefits that are not attractive enough to entice workers to apply for their job openings.

Overall, addressing these mismatches requires a coordinated effort from employers, educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders. This can involve investing in training programs to develop the skills that are in demand, offering incentives to encourage workers to relocate to areas with job opportunities, and providing competitive wages and benefits to attract workers to certain industries or occupations.

So is it better to apply in structural weeker areas and smaller cities cause of better chances?

It can be easier to find job opportunities in weaker economic areas and smaller cities because there may be less competition for available jobs compared to larger cities and more economically developed regions. Additionally, employers in these areas may be more willing to offer competitive wages and benefits to attract workers.

However, it is important to consider other factors as well when deciding where to apply for jobs. For example, living costs may be lower in smaller cities and weaker economic areas, but there may also be fewer amenities and cultural opportunities. It is also important to research the specific industries and job opportunities available in a particular area to ensure that there are opportunities that align with your skills and interests.

Overall, when considering where to apply for jobs, it is important to weigh the potential benefits of working in an area with weaker economic conditions against other factors such as living costs and cultural amenities. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and career goals.

And which areas are this?

There are several areas in Germany that are considered to be economically weaker or less developed compared to other regions. Some examples of such areas include:

1. Eastern Germany: The states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, and Saxony were part of the former East Germany and continue to lag behind the western states in terms of economic development.
2. Northern Germany: Some areas in northern Germany, particularly in Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, have experienced slower economic growth than other regions of the country.
3. Rural Areas: Rural areas across Germany may have limited job opportunities and lower levels of economic activity compared to urban areas.
4. Small Cities: Smaller cities and towns, particularly those located away from major urban centers, may also have fewer job opportunities and lower levels of economic activity.

It is important to note that there can be significant variations within regions and it is necessary to conduct more detailed research to identify specific areas that may offer better job opportunities or align with your personal preferences and career goals.