Germany has decided to increase skilled worker visas to address the labor shortage in the country.

The German government announced that after relaxing some rules to address the chronic labor shortage, there will be an increase of more than 10% in the number of professional visas in 2024.

Last year, the liberalization of rules regarding the migration of skilled workers created 1.34 million job vacancies, aiming to address the critical labor shortage in Europe's largest economy, which has seen slow growth in recent years.

INFLUENCED BY CANADA

Following the adoption of a points-based system inspired by Canada, the government stated that 200,000 professional visas will be issued in 2024.

The statement noted that student visas for third countries have increased by 20%, the number of apprenticeship visas has doubled, and the recognition of foreign qualifications has increased by approximately 50%.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said, "We are working to attract the skilled workers and professionals that our economy has urgently needed for years."

FACILITIES FOR FAMILIES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED

The new points system will facilitate the entry of non-EU foreign nationals into the German labor market and potentially allow them to bring their families with them.

Criteria such as German language proficiency, professional experience, and age are taken into account in the points accumulation.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that reforms need to go further in a country with an aging population and where 400,000 people work each year.

There is a labor shortage in key sectors such as health, services, and technology.

However, migration continues to be a divisive hot topic in the country. The far-right hopes to gain ground in the upcoming parliamentary elections following the collapse of the tripartite coalition government in Germany last week.

In Germany, while employment has increased by 1.6 million in the last five years, 89% of this employment belongs to foreigners.