Germany issues over 80K of work visas in 2024, skilled workers driving increase
Date
7/29/2024 5:37:41 AM
(MENAFN) In the first half of 2024, the German Foreign Ministry issued over 80,000 entry visas to individuals seeking employment in Germany. Of these, more than 40,000 were granted to skilled workers, marking a notable increase from the approximately 37,000 skilled worker visas issued during the same period last year. Throughout 2023, Germany issued a total of more than 157,000 work visas, with 79,000 specifically for skilled workers.
Despite these increases, the new Opportunity Card program, which was introduced on June 1, has yet to significantly impact the volume of migrant workers. To date, only about 200 visas have been issued under this new legal framework. The Opportunity Card is designed for individuals with at least two years of vocational training or a university degree, along with proficiency in German or English. Applicants earn points based on their qualifications, language skills, professional experience, age, and ties to Germany, which determine their eligibility.
The German government has been enhancing its skilled immigration policies since 2020 to attract qualified workers. Recent reforms include the implementation of the "EU Blue Card" and simplified recruitment processes. Since March, skilled workers with a university degree and relevant experience can now work in Germany without the need for prior recognition of their qualifications, provided they secure a job offer with a gross annual salary of at least 40,770 euros. For employers bound by collective wage agreements, adherence to these agreements is sufficient.
These measures reflect Germany's ongoing efforts to address labor shortages and attract talent from abroad, highlighting a continued focus on boosting skilled immigration in the face of growing demand.
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