Background– Before the new skilled immigration rules were introduced, across Europe, there was a huge skills gap. It was estimated that there would be a shortfall of nearly one million IT workers in 2020. Determined to fill these gaps, a Berlin-based innovative startup, VisaRight GmbH, took on a mission.
VisaRight’s aim was to make a German visa fast and affordable for IT specialists. It started when they wanted to recruit a highly-skilled software developer from Nigeria, and despite trying their hardest, they couldn’t get it done.
The German consulate said an appointment could only be made available in early 2021. Disappointed, Andreas Kopysov, CEO and Founder of Visaright GmbH wrote to Chancellor Angela Merkel for improved immigration procedures. And, luckily that was a topic of discussion at the Experts Meet that was held in Germany in February 2020.
In that meeting issues like immigration bottlenecks, slow paperwork, and limited visa processing facilities within Germany were discussed, out of which the new Skilled Immigration Act was born.
The present – Easing Germany’s immigration requirements
The new skilled immigrant act ‘expands the possibilities for skilled professionals to come to work in Germany.’ And in the future, ‘it will be easier for non-EU experts with vocational and non-academic training to migrate to Germany to work.
What does the New Skilled Immigrant Law Change and Impact?
The government hopes that the new Skilled Immigration Act will help attract a highly trained workforce from across the globe.
According to the new law, to fill jobs in elderly care, IT and Engineering, German employers do not have to give first preference to locals and EU nationals anymore. But, officials disclosed that if there are shifts in labour markets, the nation might have to go back to implementing the rule for the preference of German and EU citizens for the job roles.
So, anyone who gets a job in Germany with an employment contract will be given a work permit.
Those without a contract will be allowed to apply for a six-month job seekers’ visa. As long as they fulfil the main requirement of having industry skills in areas in which German businesses are struggling to find skilled workers.
According to the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce, there are over 1.5 million jobs that Germany will find difficult to fill in the long term.
German Interior Minister, Horst Seehofer says that the law is a modern one, meeting the needs of the national economy. While hoping to fill gaps in the labour market, the government also hopes that the law will help to make Germany more attractive and competitive internationally.
What are the Hurdles in Implementing the Law?
According to IAB researcher Herbert Brücker, the biggest challenge is being able to recognise qualifications before entering Germany. A non-EU expert seeking employment in the country needs to possess qualifications equivalent to the German ones.
Though at face value this doesn’t seem like a problem, Germany’s widespread dual system of vocational training is unique. Which essentially means, equivalence is not always a given.
How can Non-EU Experts Improve Their Chances of Finding a Job in Germany? Skillpass.
SkillPass is a tool that provides the opportunity to showcase education, skills and experience in a way that ensures credibility while also increasing chances of acceptance.
On the SkillPass, an applicant can add their:
- Educational certificates to show learning progress
- Video CV to highlight personality and professional aspirations
- Europass CV to explore job opportunities in over 30 European countries
- Skills to get hired and stay ahead of the competition
- Work experience to show employers your ability to be productive
- Feedback to gain social proof and an edge
- Digital certificates to prove skills and competencies
The SkillPass is designed to present recruiters with full visibility. It enables them to verify an applicant’s digital credentials instantly. Sign up to CredSure and check it out here.
And the SkillPass is built on a blockchain-based platform, so data is protected against manipulation.
Language: The Biggest Barrier
The language barrier seems like the biggest issue that could derail the new act. The Act mandates that applicants for work permits need to prove proficiency in the German language first.
Combining the power of the SkillPass and TÜV Rheinland’s extensive corporate network, we’re helping skilled workers from across the globe to find jobs. And, get basic German language skills to start working and living in Germany.
If you’d like more information about SkillPass and finding a job in Germany, chat with us here.
Our experts can offer you better input into how you can better your courses, automate processes such as student enrollment and placement. To know more, feel free to chat with us here or book an exclusive meeting.
