Germany plans to issue over 10% more professional visas in 2024 as part of efforts to combat its chronic labour shortages, the government announced on Sunday. This follows a significant relaxation of immigration rules aimed at addressing the country’s 1.34 million job vacancies.
The new measures include a points-based system inspired by Canada’s approach, which will see 200,000 professional visas granted next year. The system evaluates non-EU applicants based on factors such as German language proficiency, professional experience, and age.
Recent reforms have already shown results, as third-country student visas increased by 20%, apprenticeship visas have doubled, and the recognition of foreign qualifications rose by nearly 50%.
“We are working to attract the skilled workers and professionals that our economy has urgently needed for years,” said Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock added that while the new measures address pressing labour shortages, further reforms are necessary to fill an annual gap of 400,000 workers, especially in sectors like healthcare, services, and technology.
Despite the positive economic impact of immigration — with 89% of employment growth in the past five years attributed to foreign workers — the topic remains politically contentious. The far-right has capitalised on anti-immigration sentiment, particularly as Germany’s coalition government faces collapse ahead of legislative elections.
Germany’s ageing population underscores the urgency for skilled migration. Without foreign workers, employment figures in 2023 would have declined, highlighting the critical role of immigrants in sustaining Europe’s largest economy.
