Cabinet approves new skilled labor immigration law
Federal government creates new channels for labor migration
Foreign skilled workers are to be able to come to Germany more easily in the future. To this end, the federal cabinet has approved a bill to reform the Skilled Workers Immigration Act, which had been submitted by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
We are finally taking the opportunity to create a modern immigration law.
We will ensure that we bring into the country the skilled workers that our economy has urgently needed for years. Anyone who talks to small and medium-sized businesses and the skilled trades knows that this is the only way we can secure our country’s prosperity.
We want skilled workers to come to Germany quickly and get a head start. We want to remove bureaucratic hurdles. If people bring professional experience or personal potential with them, we will make it possible for them to gain a foothold in our labor market.
What is the new immigration law is about
The new law expands the criteria for skilled workers to enter Germany by recognizing foreign vocational qualifications that were previously not recognized. It also simplifies the visa application process for highly skilled workers, allowing them to apply for a visa while still in their home country, and offering longer visa durations to enable them to find employment.
The Skilled Immigration Act also includes provisions to encourage foreign students who have completed their studies in Germany to remain in the country by offering them a visa for up to 18 months to search for employment.
The law also includes measures to provide language and integration courses to foreign workers and their families, in order to help them integrate more effectively into German society.
“Overall, the Skilled Immigration Act is intended to help Germany address labor shortages in industries that require highly skilled workers, such as engineering and IT, and to attract and retain international talent in order to maintain the country’s economic competitiveness.”
FEDERAL MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR NANCY FAESER
Who is Nancy Faeser?
Nancy Faeser is a German politician who has been serving as the Hessian Minister of the Interior and Sport since January 2019. She is a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) and has been active in politics at the state and national level since the late 1990s.
As the Minister of the Interior, Faeser is responsible for a wide range of policy areas, including domestic security, migration, and integration. Her role involves working closely with other federal and state-level officials to develop and implement policies aimed at promoting social cohesion, protecting civil liberties, and ensuring public safety and security.
While I cannot provide specific quotes from her regarding the Skilled Immigration Act, it is likely that, as the Minister of the Interior responsible for migration and integration, she played a role in shaping and promoting the law as part of the government’s broader efforts to attract and retain highly skilled workers in Germany.
“Securing our skilled labor base is one of Germany’s biggest economic tasks for the coming decades. We must make better use of the potential at home, for example through more education and training and higher labor force participation by women and older people. In addition, however, we will also need skilled workers from abroad. With the Skilled Workers Immigration Act, we are laying the foundation for a modern immigration country that not only accepts skilled immigration, but also wants it.”
FEDERAL LABOR MINISTER HUBERTUS HEIL
Who is Hubertus Heil?
Hubertus Heil is a German politician who has been serving as the Federal Minister of Labor and Social Affairs in Germany since 2018. He is a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) and has been active in politics since the 1990s.
Regarding the new German immigration law, Hubertus Heil has been a vocal supporter of the Skilled Immigration Act, which was passed in March 2020. In a statement made in the Bundestag, Heil emphasized the importance of attracting and retaining highly skilled workers in Germany to address labor shortages and ensure the country’s economic competitiveness.
He stated that the Skilled Immigration Act would simplify and streamline the visa application process for highly skilled workers from non-EU countries, recognizing their qualifications and enabling them to enter the German labor market more easily. He also highlighted the importance of supporting foreign students who have completed their studies in Germany to remain in the country and contribute to its economy and society.
Heil further emphasized the need to provide language and integration courses to help foreign workers and their families integrate more effectively into German society. He stated that the Skilled Immigration Act is a positive step towards promoting social cohesion, strengthening Germany’s economy, and upholding the country’s values of openness and diversity.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales) is responsible for labor and social policies in Germany. The ministry is led by the Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, who is currently Hubertus Heil.
In addition to the minister, there are several other important persons within the ministry who play key roles in shaping labor and social policies in Germany. These include:
- State Secretaries: State Secretaries are responsible for managing specific areas of the ministry’s work and implementing policies. They report to the Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs and provide advice and support on policy matters.
- Division heads: Division heads are responsible for managing specific areas of the ministry’s work, such as labor market policy, social security policy, or pension policy. They work closely with the State Secretaries and provide guidance and support to the staff working in their divisions.
- Advisors and experts: The ministry also employs a range of advisors and experts who provide technical and policy advice on specific issues. These experts may be economists, legal experts, or specialists in areas such as occupational health and safety.
Overall, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is a key player in shaping labor and social policies in Germany. The minister and other key persons within the ministry work closely with stakeholders from the private sector, trade unions, and civil society to develop policies that promote social justice, economic growth, and social cohesion.