- Overturned Restriction: Refugees Now Allowed to Godsend Occupations Overseas
The Green party aims to address the labor and skilled worker scarcity in Germany more vigorously. As reported by "Süddeutsche Zeitung," a paper by top Green officials outlines 15 strategies. A key proposal is lifting the work ban for refugees. The paper argues, "It's ludicrous that individuals seeking refuge in Germany from political persecution or life threats face a work prohibition here." This statement is also accessible through the German Press Agency.
The paper continues, "As long as people can live and work here alongside us, they ought to be able to do so without excessive bureaucracy. Therefore, we propose to abolish all remaining work restrictions fundamentally."
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens), and Minister of Finance Christian Lindner (FDP) previously agreed in July during federal budget negotiations for 2025, to ease employment barriers for foreigners. Habeck explained then that it revolved around shifting competencies from foreigner authorities. In future, if they don't object within 14 days, foreigners' employment is regarded as approved.
The paper also underlines the need for English as a second language in offices, advocating for a central immigration agency to streamline and digitize job market access for qualified candidates, reduce local authority pressure, and reinforce state structures. It encourages cooperation between authorities and agencies to implement this change.
Regarding the recognition of vocational qualifications, the paper suggests expediting the process and making it more straightforward. Moreover, the Greens demand higher speed in visa processing.
Parliamentary group leaders Katharina Dröge and Britta Haßelmann, along with members of the Bundestag and state politicians, contributed to the paper's drafting. Dröge told "Süddeutsche Zeitung," "Skilled worker shortages exist everywhere. Bus drivers, engineers, and healthcare workers are critically needed." A collaboration between corporations and politics is necessary to motivate more individuals to live and work in Germany.
The Green party's proposals extend beyond lifting work bans for refugees, as they also aim to abolish all remaining work restrictions in Germany to reduce bureaucracy for foreign workers. Chancellor Scholz and Minister Habeck, from the SPD and Greens respectively, previously agreed to ease employment barriers for foreigners in 2025.
