New foreign labor law in Germany: doors open to the Turks
Germany is enacting the decision to open the doors to foreign workers to close the labor shortage that will increase by 2030. The government prepared the draft law on the recruitment of workers and submitted it to the parliament. According to the bill approved by the Council of Ministers, a visa and the right to work will be granted to “skilled labor.”
The bill of the Council of Ministers dated March 29, 2023, entitled “Law for the Recruitment of Qualified Workers”, has as its main objective to close the deficit of approximately 2 million “qualified or unqualified personnel”, which was very distressed in 2022. The goal is to start hiring workers in a short time so that the deficit of workers does not grow further.
As in the 1960s, thousands of Turks are expected to benefit from this law. Those who have relatives or connections in Germany will have the right to go to Germany more quickly.
‘NOW WE ARE A COUNTRY OF MIGRATION’
Providing information on the bill, Home Secretary Nancy Feaser said: “We are finally seizing the opportunity for modern immigration law. We will bring in the skilled staff our economy needs. Specialized or qualified personnel will quickly arrive in Germany and we will make sure that they find a place on the labor market. “The Skilled Immigration Act will show that we are a country of immigrants that not only accepts skilled people but also loves them wholeheartedly,” she said.
The draft law that has been drawn up stipulates that those who meet the following conditions can come to Germany:
1) WORK OR TRAINING: People who have a profession in Turkey, who work in that profession, receive a job offer from Germany in a similar field and establish a business connection, will be able to obtain a visa and come with it. Likewise, those who wish to receive professional training in the field that interests them and develop in their profession can come if they find a place for professional training and day laborer. In other words, it will be possible to easily access vocational education and training.
2) CERTIFICATE, TWO YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: Skilled workers who want to come to Germany will be able to prove this with the certificate they received from Turkey (graduation certificate, master’s certificate, professional chamber registration, etc.). At least two years of work experience will be required.
3) THE EQUALITY OF TITLES WILL NOT BE QUESTIONED: Until now, the equivalence of the diploma was required of those who wanted to work in Germany. It will no longer be necessary. A diploma in the country of origin will suffice. The only condition is that if you come to work outside of education, you will have found a job and a guaranteed salary.
4) SYSTEM OF POINTS IN EMPLOYMENT: A points system will be applied to the recruitment of each individual. Knowledge of German and English will be valued. Professional experience is another plus and being connected to Germany is another plus. In addition, the person’s age and employment potential will be measured as points. As in the 1960s, there will be no health tests or dental checkups in Turkey.
5) AT LEAST 20 HOURS A WEEK: Those who want to work can be tried at the workplace, if necessary, not less than 20 hours a week. This trial period will be two weeks. Trial work is especially relevant for high-demand professions.
6) COLLABORATION AND SOCIAL SECURITY: In some cases, an 8-month work permit will be granted without too many conditions. But most importantly, these people will be unionized, have the right to collective bargaining, and social security premiums will be paid from day one.
7) AGE LIMIT 45 AND OVER 50: The pension entitlement of people over 45 years of age in their countries of origin will be checked and if they have paid premiums for a long time, it will be seen as a point in favor. According to the scoring system, although high age does not give positive points, high age will not be a problem, for example, if you master a good language and become an expert in the desired profession.