The German government announced Wednesday that it will ease entry requirements for migrants from the European Union in order to meet Germany’s need for skilled workers.
Experts estimate that Europe’s largest economy will need approximately 400,000 skilled immigrants every year, as its ageing workforce shrinks. This is especially true for filling vacancies in IT, construction, and health care.
Robert Habeck, Economy Minister, stated that Germany’s ambitious plans for boosting the roll-out renewable energy are at risk because of a lack of workers.
He told reporters in Berlin that although we knew for years that there would be a problem with our demographics, nothing had been done.
Cabinet approved a draft proposal to help potential immigrants from outside the EU obtain their skills and qualifications recognized and reduce bureaucratic hurdles (such as language requirements) for certain sectors like IT.
Hubertus Heil, Labor Minister, stated that Germany must not only provide more language training abroad but also highlight its strengths if it wants skilled workers to be competitive with other countries.
He said that Germany has a lot of things to offer and that there are great jobs available. Germany should also be known as a welcoming society.
Before lawmakers can pass a bill to reform immigration law, the proposal must be discussed in parliament.
