Germany has launched a new trial points-based immigration system in a bid to attract more skilled foreign workers from outside the EU to the country.
Inspired by the Canadian and New Zealand immigration systems, the south-west region of Baden Wuerttemberg will trial the pilot project which will see candidates awarded points on a range of factors including age, German language ability and qualificatopn.
“Our future quality of life depends on how many people are working in Germany and contribute to our prosperity,” explained Labour Minister Andrea Nahles upon announcing the new system over the weekend. “We must mobilise all our own potential, but we already know that this is insufficient and that we will need additional well-educated workers from abroad. Therefore, we are testing a new method.” she added.
The work permits granted through this programme will be valid for three years.
experts have warned that it would take years for them to come up to speed in terms of required language capabilities or professional skills to fill many of Germany’s vacant jobs.