BERLIN (ANP/DPA) – The relaxation of immigration rules to attract professionals has led to a 10 percent increase in the number of visas issued in Germany, the German government announced on Sunday. Last year, 200,000 work visas were issued.
Germany has relaxed several rules to get foreign professionals to work more quickly. Since March, qualified professionals with work experience can come to Germany without having to have their diplomas recognized in advance. A job offer with a gross annual salary of at least 40,770 euros is now sufficient. In addition, university graduates and foreign professionals with work experience can more easily obtain a residence permit.
“The law is paying off. The number of visas issued and foreign applications are at a record high,” says Labor Minister Hubertus Heil. Germany faces a major shortage of skilled personnel in services, industry and construction, among others.
Why does Germany need skilled workers?
Skilled crafts and trades are the heart and soul of the German Mittelstand, With its wide range of products and services, the skilled crafts sector caters to private individuals, the industrial sector and commerce. This diversity leads to a high demand for skilled workers in craftsmanship. [1]: Guest 1, can you elaborate on the reasons behind Germany’s decision to relax immigration rules for skilled workers? How does this move addresses the shortage of skilled labor in the country?
[2]: Guest 2, what are the long-term effects of these changes on the German economy and workforce? Are there concerns about potential cultural clashes or language barriers for immigrant workers?
[3]: Guest 1, could you describe the impact of the new requirements for work experience and minimum salary on the recruitment process for employers in Germany? Have you seen any changes in terms of the qualifications and backgrounds of candidates applying for positions?
[4]: Guest 2, what are some challenges that immigrant workers may face when attempting to navigate the German job market and work environment? Are there any initiatives or support systems in place to assist them?
[5]: Both Guests, are there any potential risks or drawbacks to relying heavily on foreign skilled labor in the face of an aging population and decreasing birth rate in Germany? How does this affect the country’s social welfare system and overall demographics?
