Germany Seeks Non-EU Skilled Workers

Germany is all set to introduce its version of the US Green Card. Facing a shortage of skilled labour, Germany aims to make it easier for non-EU nationals to work in Germany.

Germany needs immigrants. As per a report by the Central Association of German Crafts, there was an existing shortage of around 250,000 skilled workers in Germany. There is an increase in the number of pensioners, and fewer workers coming into the workforce. The crunch in the labour situation keeps getting more acute.

Federal Labour Minister Hubertus Heil revealed the first details of the proposed new points-based immigration system of Germany. Speaking in an interview with Bild am Sonntag - the largest-selling newspaper published in Germany - the Minister said, “The new immigration system - Chancenkarte (the opportunity card) - will make it easier for foreign nationals to work overseas in Germany.” Under the new system, the Government of Germany will introduce its own version of the U.S. Green Card.

Germany will be presenting the overhauled immigration strategy in the autumn. Details of the upcoming policies continue to be released gradually.

Germany’s New Points-Based Immigration System
Status	To be presented by Labour Minister Hubertus Heil before the Cabinet this autumn.
How will Chancenkarte work?	An annual quota to be set on the total number of people who can come to Germany to look for a job or undergo training. They can work in Germany during this period (unlike the Germany Job Seeker Visa). At least 3 out 4 conditions to be fulfilled. A skilled worker must - Be younger than 35 years of age, Have a recognised degree or professional qualification, Possess a minimum of 3 years’ professional experience, and Be able to demonstrate either a proficiency in the German language or have lived in Germany in the past. The 4 factors above-mentioned will be weighted equally. Limits and specific conditions will be set each year as per the industries in Germany that are most in need of workers.
Benefits of the new points-based system	It will be easier and quicker for non-EU nationals to come to Germany looking for work and to get a Germany Residence Permit from within the country.
What’s the difference between Germany Job Seeker Visa (JSV) and Chancenkarte?	You can’t work in Germany on a Job Seeker Visa as the JSV is only for looking for a job. You can work in Germany on a Chancenkarte. Specific eligibility must be met for a Job Seeker Visa. The new points-based immigration system is expected to be easier to navigate. No annual limits or caps on the number of Job Seeker Visas that can be granted in a year. There will be a limit on the total number of Chancenkarts to be granted based on industries with a high demand for labour. JSV lets you go to Germany and look for a job for 6 months. Further details are awaited on the duration for the Chancenkarte.

Later, speaking to WDR Radio, Minister Heil said, “This is about qualified immigration, an unbureaucratic process, and that’s why it’s important that we say that those who have the opportunity card can earn a living while they are here.”

Germany Seeks Non-EU Skilled Workers | Chancenkarte

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