A government statement released in Berlin on Sunday showed that the easing of immigration restrictions to attract skilled workers to Germany has led to a 10% increase in the number of visas issued for this purpose in the past year.
“According to preliminary figures, approximately 200,000 employment visas were issued in the first year,” said a joint statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Immigration and the Ministry of Labor.
The increase was particularly noticeable for visas for study, obtaining a professional qualification or having a foreign qualification recognized, the report said.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said skilled workers can now enter Germany more quickly to work, while Labor Minister Hubertus Heil emphasized the economy’s need for skills.
“The law comes into effect. Visa issuance and consultations abroad are at a record level,” Heil said.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock noted that in Germany there were long delays in seeing a doctor and finding a car mechanic or carpenter. “Every year there are 400,000 smart minds and even smarter hands missing who will strengthen our country as a modern and attractive immigration country,” she said.
Germany has passed Europe’s most modern immigration law, Baerbock said, noting that digitalization had accelerated the visa issuance process.
The first part of the immigration reforms came into effect in November 2023 with the aim of updating a 2020 law and promoting the immigration of skilled workers.
It included easing restrictions on the European Blue Card, a residence permit for university graduates and foreigners with professional experience.
Since March, qualified skilled workers with professional experience have been able to enter Germany to work without first obtaining recognition for their qualifications.
They no longer have to prove that they have passed a course recognized in Germany. Instead, the offer of a job with a gross amount of at least € 40,770 gross per year is sufficient.
