Better access to the job market
There is an important trend in increasing mobility within the Euro Euro The euro is the currency of the European Monetary Union and after the US dollar the second most important member of the international currency system. Together with the national central banks, the European Central Bank (ECB), headquartered in Frankfurt/Main, is responsible for monetary policy… Read more › pean labour market. Freedom of movement is one of the fundamental principles of the EU, so migration within Europe is an important issue for professionals, and Germany is a major destination.
Germany lacks skilled workers. Given the ongoing demographic transition, one of the most pressing challenges facing the Federal Government Federal Government The Federal Government and cabinet is made up of the Federal Chancellor and the Federal Ministers. While the Chancellor holds the power to issue directives, the ministers have departmental powers, meaning that they independently run their respective ministries in the framework of those directives… Read more › is ensuring there are enough skilled workers for Germany’s economy. According to the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), over half of businesses were not able to fill vacancies in 2021 due to a lack of suitable applicants. This was a particular issue for the care sector and the skilled crafts and trades, as well as engineering and technical careers.
Germany has made long-term preparations to support the migration of skilled workers. An important element in this is the Skilled Immigration Immigration As early as the 19th century Germany attracted a large number of immigrants and since the 1950s has emerged as the European country with the largest immigrant population. In 1950, there were about 500,000 foreigners in Germany, accounting for a mere one percent or so of the population. This has… Read more › Act for qualified professionals, which has been in force since 1 March 2020. The Act makes it easier for skilled workers from countries outside the EU to access the German labour market. Previously, this was only possible for workers with academic qualifications. Since 2020 this access has also been open to workers who have gained a vocational qualification abroad. Given the unique features and high standards of Germany’s dual vocational training system, the Federal Government is using the Skilled Immigration Act to improve opportunities for workers to come to Germany to gain qualifications. It is now possible for people who want to undertake training or an apprenticeship to get a residence permit.
