Germany passes law to attract skilled migrant workers amid fierce debate

BBC

While other countries are trying to restrict migration, the German parliament has passed a radical new law to attract migrant workers to Germany.

That means less red tape and lower hurdles for migrant workers from outside the European Union.

A Canada-style points-based system will take into account age, skills, qualifications and any link to Germany.

Criteria will be lowered for salary, educational level and German language ability.

This would make it easier for migrants to come to Germany with, or even without, a job offer. Incentives include being able to bring not only spouse and children, but also parents.

This is a major shift in policy for Germany. For decades German governments have resisted the idea that Germany is a country of migration.

The first generation of so-called “guest workers” from Turkey in the 1960s were seen as exactly that: “guests” who were supposed to help the economy and then leave.

Conservative-led governments in particular, including Angela Merkel’s administration, struggled with the idea of a society open to migrant workers – despite the fact German society is increasingly diverse. More than a quarter of the population in Germany is either foreign-born or has at least one foreign-born parent.

After years of low unemployment German business leaders are sounding the alarm about the lack of workers. The problem is exacerbated by an ageing population: baby-boomers born in the 1960s will soon start heading for retirement.

Ministers warn that millions of job vacancies already need filling, and describe the labour shortage as the biggest risk facing the German economy.