Germany to Simplify: Germany is poised to introduce a series of transformations to its immigration policies in 2024, introducing challenges for asylum-seekers while incorporating new measures to attract skilled labour.
The reforms are designed to enhance Germany’s appeal to highly qualified professionals. A novel points-based system, evaluating language proficiency and professional background, will provide eligible immigrants with a one-year visa for job exploration.
Germany to Simplify Living
The expansion of the EU Blue Card will now encompass sectors grappling with labour shortages. Starting March, non-EU individuals can work in Germany while awaiting qualification approval, with the possibility of staying for up to three years.
Those undergoing training to obtain a German-equivalent qualification for a three-year period will have the opportunity to engage in part-time work, limited to 20 hours per week. This flexibility extends to students and trainees, promoting a more inclusive approach to work-study arrangements.
For skilled workers seeking recognition of their foreign qualifications in Germany, immediate employment is possible upon agreement with their German employers, even during the recognition procedure.
The Skilled Immigration Act is set to simplify requirements for family. While the demonstration of financial capability remains essential, the obligation to prove sufficient living space is to be eliminated.
Initiatives to expedite the processing of asylum applications are in progress, with proposed alterations aiming to reduce the processing time to a range of three to six months. Asylum-seekers are expected to receive fewer benefits, with welfare payments deferred to three years and deductions for food costs in state housing.
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