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The German government has made significant changes to the Skilled Labour Immigration Act in order to facilitate the immigration of skilled workers with vocational training and practical professional knowledge to Germany. Here is the key information:
Visa & Residence: The Skilled Labour Immigration Act
The recently revised Skilled Labour Immigration Act continues and expands existing regulations. The new provisions will gradually come into force from November 2023. Here is an overview of the most important changes:
The new EU Blue Card from November 2023:
In line with Directive (EU) 2021/1883, immigration opportunities have been remodelled and expanded through the EU Blue Card:
• Lowered salary thresholds: The salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card will be significantly lowered, especially for bottleneck professions and young professionals.
• Extended group of people: The EU Blue Card will be accessible to a wider group of people, including career starters, IT specialists and extended bottleneck professions.
• Short and long-term mobility: Holders of an EU Blue Card from other EU countries can travel to Germany on a short and long-term basis. After twelve months, long-term relocation is possible without a visa.
Further changes from November 2023:
Residence permit for skilled workers:
Issuance without a link to the qualification: Skilled workers with vocational training and academic qualifications are now entitled to a residence permit, regardless of the direct link to the qualification.
• Employment of professional drivers: The granting of authorisation for the employment of professional drivers from third countries will be simplified.
Regulations on employment and recognition from March 2024:
Residence for the recognition of a foreign professional qualification:
• Extension of residence options: The residence options for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications will be extended, including new access routes and increased flexibility.
Employment of skilled workers and labour:
• Special regulations for practical professional experience: the employment of persons with practical professional experience will be extended in non-regulated professions, especially for IT specialists.
Further changes from June 2024:
Job search opportunity card:
• Introduction of the opportunity card: a job search opportunity card will be introduced, based on various criteria such as qualifications, language skills and work experience.
Western Balkans regulation:
• Labour market access for Western Balkan countries: The Western Balkans regulation allows nationals of certain countries unlimited labour market access in non-regulated professions.
What do I have to do as a skilled worker to work in Germany?
• Recognition of foreign qualifications: A recognised or recognisable professional qualification is crucial. The application for recognition can be submitted before or after entry.
• Language skills: Proof of language skills is required, depending on the purpose of the stay.
Where can I get further information and support as an employer?
• Initial orientation: The quick check for employers provides initial orientation.
• Individual advice: The "Working and living in Germany" hotline offers individual advice for employers.
• Projects for recruiting skilled labour: Various projects support the implementation of recruitment plans.
This summary provides an overview of the most important changes in the Skilled Labour Immigration Act and serves as a guide for those interested in working in Germany.
Job Bridge Network News
Source: Federal Government.
