The Federal Labour Minister, Bärbel Bas (SPD), has cautioned against the risk of stricter migration policies deterring skilled workers from accepting employment in Germany. Speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, she emphasized the need to ensure that policy changes do not exacerbate existing skilled worker shortages.
Bas highlighted concerns that deportations of individuals holding job or training opportunities are counterproductive. She noted that such actions discourage employers from hiring individuals with uncertain residency permits, as businesses are wary of the potential for future disruption due to changing immigration status.
To streamline the process for skilled worker immigration, Minister Bas announced plans for a centralization of support services. Addressing what she described as excessive bureaucracy, she proposed consolidating procedures currently handled individually by each municipality and foreign administration office. A planned “Work-and-Stay-Agentur” will serve as a central hub, clarifying contact points and streamlining the entire process. Detailed proposals for this initiative are expected to be presented in the autumn.
Bas also underscored the responsibility of the business sector in attracting and retaining skilled workers, stating that companies requiring such personnel must also invest in training and development opportunities.
