Germany Will Tackle Labor Shortage With New Immigration Plan

To combat its dwindling workforce, Germany is reforming its immigration policies.

What’s going on:

Germany is taking a major leap forward in immigration policy by introducing a new nationality law that will make acquiring German citizenship much simpler for foreign nationals, with the aim of addressing the country’s dwindling workforce, according to Reuters.

In the coming months, lawmakers will be presented with a draft law that would make it possible for individuals to apply for German citizenship after only five years of residency, instead of the current required eight. Those who have put forth special efforts to blend in, like becoming proficient in German, can apply for a visa after three years of living in the country.

Why it matters:

Getting rid of the prohibition on dual citizenship for immigrants from non-EU countries would allow people to keep their original nationality.

This reform will simplify the immigration process for skilled workers, allowing them to enter Germany without the requirement of official certification; all that’s needed is suitable work experience and a job offer.

How it’ll impact the future:

The three-party coalition government — wishing to attract 400,000 skilled foreign workers per year in order to address its aging population and shortages in key sectors — has proposed this plan as part of its socially progressive policy series.

Germany, like many other nations, is dealing with an aging population. This demographic challenge can seriously impact the future of work, so some countries are doing what they can to combat this.