G

ermany has an updated immigration policy to open up its labour market. 

The German government introduced a new skilled immigration law on 1 March 2020. This will result in a significant loosening of regulations. It will provide job opportunities for skilled non-EU nationals. And, it will fast-track the application process for skilled workers. 

Immigration is essential for the future health of the German economy and the new policy must deliver for the economy in the context of a: 

• Lower birth rate
• Ageing workforce 
• Lack of skilled specialists

The expert summit shows that several barriers need to be removed such as; slow application procedure, reduced apprenticeship numbers and language barriers. 

Here is an article that sheds more light on these issues.

Germany needs 260,000 immigrants a year to meet labour demand.

Today, Germany has the fourth-largest economy in the world. But by 2060, without immigration, the German population will shrink by a third according to research published by the Bertelsmann Foundation.

The study also says that the average annual need for migrants is:

• By 2035 – 98,000 immigrants from non-EU countries 
• Between 2036 and 2050, almost 170,000 people
• Between 2051 and 2060, almost 200,000 people 

The German economy lacks a skilled workforce, with around 1.2 million jobs currently unfilled. The new immigration law is all about opening up access to the German labour market. 

The new law will keep Germany as a leading economy. According to estimates by the Federal Government, it will bring 25,000 skilled workers to Germany each year. It applies to graduates and adults with recognised professional qualifications.

Individuals without an employment contract, but with proof of qualified professional training, will be given six months to find a job.

In cases where candidates have a job offer, extensive checks will be required. Conducting these checks will be a challenge for the visa department and might lead to delays.

The new act will increase the attractiveness of skilled professionals with verifiable documents. 

“We want to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy, simplify recognition procedures, better equip visa offices and digitize application procedures,” said Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD).

To support the visa process, the Federal Foreign Office has grown and increased its workforce. With an increased budget and more support, the time taken to process a visa should decrease.

However, in order to receive a work permit, applicants will have to demonstrate German language skills at B2 level.

There is currently a massive demand for:

• Electronics engineers
• Production assistants
• Nurses
• Electricians, electrical fitters
• Software developers, architects, programmers
• IT consultants, IT analysts
• Economists, business management experts
• Customer advisors, account managers
• Sales representatives/assistants
• Sales managers, product managers
• Architects, civil engineers

Engineers

Germany is a tech hub powered by engineers working to create technologically advanced cars, machines and more. 

Irrespective of the sector, tech-driven organisations are constantly hiring. It is one of the fields with the biggest demand. From mechanical and automotive engineering to electrical and building engineering. The demand is for candidates to have knowledge of emerging technologies and how they can redefine processes.

Businesses are looking for production assistants to support their tech and production teams. From operating cutting and moulding machines to developing SSOP’s and Risk Assessments.

Nurses

The Skills Gap Analysis published by the Federal Employment Agency (BA) states that there are only 19 candidates for every 100 geriatric nurse vacancies. There is an endless demand for certified nurses. If we take a look at Germany’s ageing population, 2.9 million individuals will be in need of care by 2030. Hospitals, nursing homes and other care providers are recruiting skilled nursing staff. 

The only thing stopping many individuals from finding jobs in Germany is the lack of recognised certificates or required documents.

What we should expect from the Skilled Immigration Act

• Accessing the German labour market will be much easier 
• There will be a rise in demand for vocational and educational institutes to issue verifiable certificates to their graduates
• The law will increase notification requirements for employers to meet their workforce demands

Certif-ID can help bridge the skills and employment gaps

For educational institutes or individuals looking to be globally recognised, Certif-ID is the answer. 

Certif-ID is a German Company with an aim is to bridge the skills and employment gap and harmonise education standards. It connects educational institutes, skilled professionals and recruiters on one platform built on blockchain technology.

An educational or training institute can sign up to the platform and undertake a third-party review to assess the effectiveness of their operations, teaching, placements and certification. Not only can an institute understand their place in the market today but also boost their competitiveness. 

How Certif-ID works 

The platform also allows institutes to issue blockchain-powered digital certificates to graduates. These certificates will act as proof of skills and help in easy verification of credentials in less time. So, when recruiters choose to hire candidates from your institute, they are certain of the skills and certification provided. As they can be verified from anywhere at any time, thanks to blockchain technology.

Share your thoughts about the German immigration policy or Skilled Immigration Act or find out more about Certif-ID. 

You can also book a demonstration of the German-based Certif-ID.