In a significant shift in Germany’s immigration policy for 2024, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has outlined a series of reforms aimed at making the country less attractive for asylum-seekers while simultaneously streamlining immigration for skilled workers. The comprehensive changes include increased deportations, faster asylum procedures, and reduced benefits for those seeking asylum. On the flip side, the government is making efforts to facilitate the entry of skilled labor through the introduction of a points system and expanded visa options.
In an interview with Der Spiegel in December, Chancellor Scholz expressed support for “large-scale” deportations for rejected asylum applicants. The Repatriation Improvement Act, a key part of the reform, seeks to enhance deportation measures by eliminating advance deportation announcements, extending asylum detention to 28 days, and empowering the police with broader search and property access capabilities.
As part of efforts to act swiftly against potential threats, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser highlighted the intention to deport individuals, including suspected criminals, more consistently and rapidly. Additionally, Germany is in the process of negotiating migration agreements with several countries, with a focus on designating more nations as “safe countries of origin.”
While asylum procedures are set to become faster, with proposed changes aiming to reduce processing times to three to six months, individuals going through the process will receive fewer benefits. Welfare payments, previously accessible after 18 months, will now be available only after three years, and the cost of food for those in state housing will be deducted.
To prevent money transfers to relatives in the country of origin, some German cities and states are transitioning to a card-based system for benefits. The “social card” initiative, already launched in Hannover and adopted in parts of Thuringia, aims to control the use of funds by requiring monthly top-ups at district asylum offices.
On the other hand, Germany is actively encouraging skilled labor immigration through various reforms. A points system, considering language proficiency and professional experience, will grant eligible immigrants a one-year visa to search for jobs. The income requirement has been lowered, and the EU Blue Card will be expanded to cover sectors facing labor shortages. Starting in March, foreigners outside the EU can work in Germany while awaiting qualification approval, with the option to stay up to three years.
In a bid to address labor shortages, the special immigration quota for people from the western Balkans will be doubled to 50,000 people in June.
