Understanding Germany’s New Migration Law
Germany has long been known for its welcoming attitude towards immigrants, but the country has recently enacted new migration laws that have caused concern among advocates for immigrant rights. These laws are designed to make it easier for highly-skilled workers to immigrate to Germany, while also making it more difficult for those who do not meet certain criteria.
The new law, which was enacted in March 2020, is called the Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz). The law is meant to address a shortage of skilled workers in Germany, particularly in industries such as information and technology, healthcare, and engineering. The hope is that by making it easier for highly-skilled workers to immigrate to Germany, the country will be able to remain competitive in the global economy.
What Does the New Law Mean for Immigrants?
For highly-skilled workers, the new law makes it easier to immigrate to Germany. In the past, immigrants who did not have job offers in Germany had a difficult time obtaining visas. The Skilled Immigration Act allows highly-skilled workers to apply for visas even if they do not have a job offer, as long as they meet certain criteria.
Under the new law, immigrants must have a recognized qualification or degree that is relevant to the German job market. They must also have enough money to support themselves and any family members who will be accompanying them. If they don’t have a job offer, they must prove that they are actively looking for work in Germany.
For immigrants who do not meet the criteria for highly-skilled workers, the new law may make it more difficult to immigrate to Germany. The law requires that immigrants have a basic knowledge of the German language, and it restricts access to certain social benefits for the first three years of their residency in Germany.
What Are Some Concerns About the New Law?
Advocates for immigrant rights have expressed concern that the new law will make it harder for immigrants to enter the country. They worry that the language requirements and restrictions on social benefits will make it more difficult for low-skilled workers to migrate to Germany. They also worry that the law may lead to a focus on certain industries, leaving other industries without the workers they need.
Another concern is that the law may lead to exploitation of immigrant workers. Some worry that employers may take advantage of immigrants who are desperate for work, paying them lower wages and subjecting them to poor working conditions.
FAQs
Q: Do immigrants need a job offer to immigrate to Germany under the new law?
A: Highly-skilled workers do not need a job offer, but those who do not meet the criteria for highly-skilled workers do need a job offer.
Q: What are the criteria for highly-skilled workers?
A: Immigrants must have a recognized qualification or degree that is relevant to the German job market. They must also have enough money to support themselves and any family members who will be accompanying them. If they don’t have a job offer, they must prove that they are actively looking for work in Germany.
Q: Will the new law make it harder for low-skilled workers to immigrate to Germany?
A: The new law does require immigrants to have a basic knowledge of the German language, and it restricts access to certain social benefits for the first three years of their residency in Germany. Some advocates for immigrant rights worry that this may make it more difficult for low-skilled workers to migrate to Germany.
Q: What are some concerns about the new law?
A: Some advocates for immigrant rights worry that the new law will make it harder for immigrants to enter the country, that it may lead to a focus on certain industries, and that it may lead to exploitation of immigrant workers.