The GERMAN government, faced with a shortage of skilled labor, wants to introduce a points-based immigration system, modeled on the immigrant countries of Canada and Australia, German media report. “The federal government is planning the introduction of a points-based system for immigration to Germany, all with the aim of easing the shortage of skilled labor,” states the draft immigration reform that is expected to be presented at the regular government session on Wednesday.

Under the new law, people from countries outside the European Union with “good potential” should be allowed to immigrate to Germany for the purpose of employment.

“On the basis of a transparent and non-bureaucratic system, which rests on the principle of points scoring, we will enable immigration for the purpose of searching for a job in Germany,” the document titled “Foundations for Immigration from Countries Outside the European Union” states.

The conditions listed for collecting points are qualifications, language skills, work experience, ties to Germany, and age.

‘The only viable scenario is increased immigration’

“Germany lacks skilled labor in all sectors. That is why we must use all potential, both abroad and in Germany,” the document that will be presented to cabinet members states.

The reform also provides for the guaranteed stay of foreign students in Germany after completing their studies or vocational training. Immigration should also be possible without prior recognition of diplomas and certificates.

At the same time, Andrea Nahles, director of the Federal Employment Agency, called for urgent measures that would increase the inflow of skilled labor into Germany.

“Because of demographic changes, there is practically no other scenario except one that would include increased immigration to Germany,” Nahles told Sueddeutsche Zeitung. She said that Germany needs 400,000 people annually as labor and skilled workforce from abroad.

For residents of countries that are not members of the European Union, the possibility of immigration already exists. For residents of the Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia), since 2016 there has also been a special employment program under which, for immigration and obtaining a work permit, a contract with a company in Germany is sufficient.

This option has so far often encountered difficulties due to the long wait for a visa at German consular missions in the countries of the Western Balkans.

Source: index.hr