Germany’s parliament recently passed an immigration law aimed at attracting more individuals from outside the European Union, including Nigerians, to work in Germany. The law, according to Interior Minister of Social Democrats (SPD) Nancy Faeser, is intended to secure prosperity in the country. However, she emphasized that its success would depend on dismantling bureaucratic hurdles during its implementation.

Like many European countries, Germany is currently facing a shortage of skilled workers. In 2022, the country’s labor shortage reached an all-time high, with 1.74 million vacant positions across Germany, as reported by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB). Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, together with Nancy Faeser, stressed the importance of reducing bureaucracy, improving digitization, and enhancing the efficiency of the system to ensure the future and economic efficiency of Germany’s social security systems by having enough skilled workers.

Here are key points to know about how the new law opens job opportunities for Nigerians and other nationalities:

Reforms to the immigration legislation are expected to modernize Germany’s immigration system and make it easier for third-country nationals to work in the country. It is projected that the reforms could increase the number of non-EU workers in Germany by 60,000 per year.

The Skilled Immigration Act will focus on workers with vocational training and non-academic backgrounds. Rules for qualified professionals with university degrees will also be relaxed.

Germany aims to address its shortage of skilled workers through the introduction of the “chancenkarte,” an opportunity card. This points-based system will facilitate the entry of workers with the required skills into Germany.

The points system will consider qualifications, professional experience, age, German language proficiency, and ties to Germany.

Quotas will be set annually based on the needs of specific industries. To apply for the scheme, applicants must meet three out of four criteria: a degree or vocational training, three years of professional experience, language skills or a previous stay in Germany, and being 35 years old or younger.

Currently, most non-EU citizens need a job offer before relocating to Germany. The introduction of the “chancenkarte” is expected to streamline and expedite the process for individuals seeking employment in Germany.

Citizens of certain countries with visa agreements can enter Germany visa-free for 90 days, but they are only allowed to engage in short-term employment.

The opportunity card will enable individuals to come to Germany and search for a job or apprenticeship while in the country, rather than applying from abroad. Applicants must demonstrate that they can cover their living expenses during this period.

The precise details of the scheme are still being finalized, and the “chancenkarte” is not expected to be available until at least the end of 2023.

The new system will make it easier for individuals with professional experience, rather than a university degree, to work in Germany.

Germany will become more open to recognizing job experience and professional qualifications obtained in workers’ home countries. The country currently has strict criteria for recognizing qualifications.

The opportunity card will also make it easier for individuals without a job offer to seek employment in Germany.

Qualified job seekers with degrees or vocational certificates will be allowed to stay in the country for one year while searching for employment. During this time, they will be permitted to work up to 20 hours per week.

Rules will be eased for individuals with a job offer and a recognized diploma. Salary thresholds will be lowered, it will be easier to bring families to Germany, and gaining permanent residency will be facilitated.

Job opportunities in Germany are available for immigrants with skills in various fields, including craftsmanship, electrical engineering, IT, healthcare, and hospitality.

Overall, the new immigration law in Germany aims to attract skilled workers from outside the EU, including Nigerians, by simplifying the process and creating more job opportunities in the country.