Germany changes rules: What awaits immigrants in 2024

In Germany, a significant change in immigration policy, which may make it somewhat more difficult for asylum seekers, is expected in 2024. At the same time, changes are planned to attract a skilled labour force.

In particular, the German authorities plan to make Germany more attractive to skilled labour. To this end, the EU's Blue Card will be expanded to cover sectors facing labour shortages, TheEconomicTimes writes.

In particular, non-EU foreigners will be able to work in Germany pending confirmation of their qualifications, with the possibility of staying for up to three years. At the same time, those who are studying to obtain a German equivalent qualification will be allowed to work part-time for three years, no more than 20 hours per week. This flexibility applies to students and trainees.

Good news for skilled workers who wish to have their foreign qualifications recognized in Germany. From now on, they can start working directly in agreement with their German employers even during the recognition procedure. This will allow them to stay for a period of up to three years, provided that the person has a professional qualification of at least two years and speaks German at a minimum level of A2.

The process of family reunification for skilled workers is also simplified. The new law on skilled immigration will ease the requirements for spouses, minor children and, in particular, parents or parents-in-law. The need to prove sufficient living space will now be abolished. This means that skilled workers can bring their parents or parents-in-law to Germany if their residence permits are valid from March 2024.

It is specified that in 2024, it is also planned to liberalize the conditions for guest workers through the introduction of an "opportunity card" based on a point system. This card, intended for persons with equivalent foreign qualifications, gives them the opportunity to seek employment in Germany for one year, provided they demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.

However, there are also conditions for those who do not have equivalent foreign qualifications as the new rules require them to have at least two years of higher education or vocational training, as well as German language skills at an A1 level or English at B2 level. It is important to remember that Opportunity Card holders can work up to 20 hours per week even during the probationary period.

At the same time, it is also possible to extend the validity of the card for up to two additional years, provided that the person has a contract for skilled work. These progressive measures are aimed at creating a more accessible and favourable path for individuals seeking to obtain qualifications and establish themselves in Germany.

The German authorities emphasize that the new law is aimed at simplifying the deportation process. The key changes for asylum seekers include the end of advance deportation notices, the extension of the detention period to 28 days, expanded police powers to search and access property, and faster deportation for those suspected of a crime.

But that's not all: Germany continues to take steps to speed up the processing of asylum applications, and the proposed changes are aimed at reducing the processing time to three to six months. It is expected that asylum seekers will receive fewer benefits with a delay in social benefits of up to three years and deductions for food costs in public housing.

Certain decisions at the local government level are also being made. To prevent the abuse of benefits, several German cities and states are switching to a card system, including a special "social card" in Hanover. A number of other regions plan to introduce similar programmes in 2024.