For months now, there has been writing about how Germany, the country with the second largest Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora in the world, will facilitate the work process for foreign workers through several legal solutions.

Since we are faced with one of the largest brain drains in the world, it is not surprising that this news has interested our citizens, many of whom have for years seen Germany as a key destination for a better life and career.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country with a complex history and challenges in the post-war period, is witnessing a constant outflow of population.

Data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina indicate a constant trend of emigration, with particular emphasis on departures to countries such as the United States of America, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Canada, Australia, and the Nordic countries.

With 250 thousand citizens already living in Germany, this country represents one of the main destinations of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora. However, the largest Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora is located in the United States of America, which counts more than 350 thousand citizens of BiH.

Three phases

First phase (November 2023): This phase introduces easier access for qualified workers with intermediate vocational qualifications. Special attention is given to shortage occupations such as preschool teachers, nurses, and technicians. Also, new criteria for the EU Blue Card are being introduced. With the Blue Card, you can move to Germany immediately because there are no checks on whether it concerns EU or German citizens, and proof of language proficiency will also not be required. The new income threshold has been reduced to 40,000 euros for shortage occupations and people who have just started their careers, while for other professions slightly less than 44,000 euros is required.

It will be possible to stay in Germany for up to three years if additional qualification is needed for the diploma to be recognized. At the same time, candidates will be allowed, alongside working on their qualification, to work up to 20 hours per week.

Second phase (March 2024): This phase focuses on the recognition of professional qualifications and work experience, with the aim of speeding up the immigration process. It facilitates the arrival of workers with recognized professional diplomas and a minimum of two years of work experience.

Third phase (June 2024): The introduction of the “opportunity card” (Chancenkarte) with a points system provides people seeking work the possibility to come to Germany and look for employment without a prior job offer.

What does this mean for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina?

These reforms open new possibilities for Bosnian-Herzegovinian citizens. Previous restrictions, such as the need to have a pre-arranged job or strict criteria for the recognition of qualifications, were significant obstacles. The reduction of bureaucratic barriers and more flexible conditions will significantly ease the migration process.

The introduction of dual citizenship in Germany, a law that entered into force on August 23, is particularly significant for Bosnian-Herzegovinian citizens. Many previously had to renounce their Bosnian-Herzegovinian citizenship in order to acquire German citizenship. This change makes it possible to preserve ties with the homeland, which is emotionally and culturally significant for many immigrants.

FORBES BiH asked several citizens of our country whether they plan to go to Germany after the easing of employment measures.

“As a lawyer currently working in retail, I feel deep disappointment and dissatisfaction because of the situation we are in. After graduating from the Faculty of Law, full of hope and ambition, I was faced with a reality that does not reflect my investment and effort. Working for minimum wage, while I have invested so many years in my education, is not only demotivating, but also unfair. What is even worse, the authorities are doing almost nothing to keep young people like me in the country. This stagnation and lack of perspective are forcing me to think about leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina in search of a fairer and more fulfilling professional life,” stated 26-year-old Tuzla resident Emina Mehdagić.

A 32-year-old economist from Sarajevo, Emir Dedić, shares a similar view.

“I graduated from the Faculty of Economics, hoping that I would contribute to the economic development of my country, but unfortunately, the situation on the labor market in Bosnia and Herzegovina does not reflect my ambitions and abilities. Learning about the reforms of the immigration law in Germany opens doors for me that remain closed here. Germany offers what I currently cannot find in my homeland: opportunities for professional development and fair compensation for my work and knowledge. The decision is not easy, but I am ready to take advantage of the benefits that Germany offers, not only for a better life, but also for the possibility to use my education and experience in the best possible way,” said Emir Dedić.

Trends in renouncing Bosnian-Herzegovinian citizenship

Data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH show a decrease in the number of people renouncing Bosnian-Herzegovinian citizenship in the last five years. This tendency could be further strengthened by the new immigration and dual citizenship laws, which could reduce the pressure on citizens to renounce their original identity for the sake of better opportunities abroad.

These reforms will likely attract a greater number of qualified workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, given the eased conditions and reduced bureaucratic obstacles. Furthermore, they may contribute to reducing the “brain drain” from Bosnia and Herzegovina, as they allow people to remain connected to their homeland and potentially return with newly acquired experience and knowledge.

With the new immigration laws, Germany is not only becoming a more attractive destination for workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also providing a basis for strengthening ties between the two countries. This can result in better integration of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora into German society, while at the same time preserving their cultural and national identity.

Changes in the German immigration law and the introduction of dual citizenship represent a new era in migration policy that could have far-reaching positive consequences for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. These changes offer not only opportunities for a better life and work abroad, but also make it easier to maintain ties with the homeland, which is of key importance for preserving the identity of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora. The future of relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany looks brighter in light of these new legal frameworks.

Source: Forbes BiH