Faster and easier to apply for German citizenship
Against this background, the position of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is clearly in favor of more immigration, is something new. Although it should be noted that Scholz does it not out of the goodness of his heart, but out of economic calculation. The EU, and Germany in particular, will depend on the influx of workers from abroad in the coming years. The German labor market is already experiencing shortages of skilled workers in 352 out of 801 professional groups, and in September 2022 the number of vacancies was well over 800,000. people. In 2060, the number of economically active people will decrease by 10 million, according to the analyzes of the local Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection.
The coalition of the SPD, FDP and the Greens decided to thoroughly reform the immigration law. At the end of last year, a bill was drafted, described by the government as “the most modern immigration law in Europe”. But once once more, the German initiative was not coordinated with its European partners, especially France. Nevertheless, Berlin has taken a step in the right direction.
Thanks to the new law, the path to German citizenship is to be simplified, and dual citizenship will become the rule rather than the exception. Anyone with at least two years of work experience will theoretically be able to work in Germany without the compulsory recognition of their qualifications by the German legal system. In this way, the state will transfer responsibility for employees to German entrepreneurs. Companies will have to check themselves who meets the requirements for a given position. Apprentices and students will also have easier access to German universities and training companies.
Help those suspended in the void
The law is also intended to grant more rights to foreigners who are only “tolerated” in Germany. A points system similar to the Canadian one will be created to facilitate integration.
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The “equalizing opportunities” legislation is intended to help people like Chris Kamara. He is a father-of-three who made headlines in Germany earlier this year. Shortly before the new law came into force, Kamara was deported to Sierra Leone. pregnant wife. Previously, he had been in Germany for five years under tolerated stay. Some 140,000 people share this fate. Their asylum applications were rejected, but their deportation from Germany was suspended indefinitely. This meant that they fell into a vacuum. Without the permission of the immigration office foreigners are not allowed to work, they are not allowed to learn German at courses organized for asylum seekers, and at the same time the authorities expect them to fully integrate into German society, but how to do it if you get 360 euros a month from social security and lives in a shelter far from the big cities, where he vegetates on the edge of German society? In short: any “tolerated” refugee who wants to actively participate in German society fails. On top of that, he is facing the threat of deportation.
According to the new law, “tolerated” immigrants under the age of 27 are to be granted the right of permanent residence in Germany following only three years. Less strict rules will also apply to their families. Persons with tolerated stay will also receive a trial residence permit, which will allow them to actively look for a job. In addition, all asylum seekers will be able to learn German.
Under the new rules, Chris Kamera might stay with his family in Bavaria. Now, however, he will have to wait two years in Sierra Leone [z powodu wymogów proceduralnych]before being allowed back into Germany.
Victoria Atanasov, a Berliner with Bulgarian roots. She graduated in gender and media studies in Tokyo and Berlin. She currently works as a reporter and editor.
Amélie Baasner has been working as a journalist in France, Germany and Italy since 2019. She publishes for Der Tagesspiegel, La Croix and L’Espresso. She also works as a teacher for young refugees and migrants who myself develop to become journalists in Germany.
