Nursing assistants Nataliia, 40, and Daria, 29, both from Ukraine, posed at St Johannes hospital in Dortmund, western Germany, on May 10, 2023. — AFP
Germany plans to issue over 10% more professional visas in 2024 after easing certain regulations to address chronic labor shortages, the government announced on Sunday. With 1.34 million job vacancies, last year's liberalization of skilled worker immigration rules aims to tackle a critical shortage in Europe's largest economy, which has seen sluggish growth in recent years. According to a government statement, following the implementation of a points-based system inspired by Canada, 200,000 professional visas will be issued in 2024. Additionally, third-country student visas increased by 20%, apprenticeship visas doubled, and the recognition of foreign qualifications rose by nearly 50%.
"We are striving to attract the skilled workers and professionals our economy has desperately needed for years," said Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. The new points system makes it easier for non-EU nationals to enter the German labor market and potentially bring their families. Criteria for accumulating points include knowledge of the German language, professional experience, and age. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized that with an aging population and an annual shortage of 400,000 workers, further reforms are necessary. Labor shortages affect crucial sectors such as healthcare, services, and technology. However, immigration remains a contentious issue in Germany, with the far right eyeing gains in upcoming legislative elections following the collapse of the three-way coalition government last week. Germany's employment has expanded by 1.6 million in five years, with 89% of those positions filled by foreigners. Without non-Germans, employment would have declined in 2023.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
