The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has just recently shared data on skilled migration to the country and the effects of the fast-track procedure for skilled workers through a new research report, saying that facilitated rules have helped with the labour shortage.
Germany has been increasingly suffering from a shortage of skilled workers for some years now, leaving many job positions unfilled due to a lack of suitable applicants from within the country.
Skilled workers in Germany are mainly sought after in the IT and engineering sector, health and case, and in skilled trades and construction.
Taking into account the high number of skilled as well as highly educated workers needed from abroad, Germany took several measures and, in 2019, passed the Skilled Immigration Act intended to facilitate the immigration of skilled workers from third countries.
Now, the country has decided to determine how the new regulations have been implemented and point out the remaining challenges.
According to the research project, immigration to Germany from third countries started to increase significantly since the second half of 2021, following the relaxation of the Coronavirus restrictions.
As for the fast-track procedure for skilled workers, it was found that it shortens the immigration process. However, the authorities stressed that such a procedure itself does not lead to a substantial increase in the number of immigrants to the country.
“Centralised agencies responsible for the fast-track procedure are generally viewed positively by the authorities because specialist competencies can be bundled there and applications can be processed more quickly as a result,” the statement of the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees reads.
The research further pointed out that increased digitalization is needed for the efficient processing of the application to that the procedure gets accelerated.
Germany is constantly trying to make facilitate its rules for nationals of third countries to reach its territory for work purposes.
Just recently, Germany passed a new law that makes it easier for skilled workers to move to the country.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior of Germany said that the new law is expected to become fully effective on March 1, 2024.
This means that as soon as the new law enters into force, qualified workers from non-EU countries will be able to reach Germany for work purposes under facilitated conditions.
In line with the new law, an Opportunity Card will be introduced, which will allow third-country nationals to remain in Germany for up to a year to find employment.
Moreover, in line with the new rules, asylum seekers will also be able to find employment in the country under facilitated rules.
