The German government is moving forward with plans to establish a new “Work-and-Stay Agency” designed to streamline the immigration process for skilled workers. Labor Minister Bärbel Bas has submitted the initiative’s key proposals for review by other ministries, according to reports in the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
The agency aims to accelerate and centralize the recruitment of skilled workers, addressing concerns raised by businesses regarding the current, often protracted, bureaucratic procedures. Currently, applications are frequently submitted on paper, requiring engagement with multiple authorities, leading to delays and complexity.
According to Minister Bas, the new agency will act as a central digital portal, simplifying formalities for both foreign skilled workers and German employers. This intends to make Germany a more attractive destination for skilled labor while simultaneously enabling companies to fill vacancies more efficiently.
The Work-and-Stay Agency will provide a single point of contact for skilled workers to apply for residency permits, upload necessary documents and receive official notifications digitally. The initiative aims to support not only large corporations but also small and medium-sized family businesses in assisting potential employees through the process.
The move fulfills a commitment outlined in the governing coalition agreement, drawing inspiration from the “One-Stop-Government” model, which proposes consolidated service delivery through a single agency. Officials anticipate that the new agency will reduce waiting times and simplify engagements for all involved parties – government authorities, workers and employers.
