The complicated immigration procedure in Germany is based on many visa types and prerequisites. For some of these groups, the nation imposes quotas and limitations to regulate immigration.
Immigration based on employment
Employment-based immigration is the main immigrant category subject to quotas in Germany. In Germany, there is a procedure known as the “priority check”. This allows a company to recruit a non-EU citizen if there aren’t enough competent German or EU nationals to fill a job opportunity. However, yearly quotas have been established for many worker groups, including highly skilled employees, seasonal workers, and vocational trainees. Every year, the government modifies the employment-based immigration quotas following the demands of the nation’s economy. For instance, the government said in 2020 that it would raise the annual quota for highly qualified employees to 25,000.
Other categories
Germany has restrictions on additional kinds of immigration in addition to employment-based immigration, including family reunions, humanitarian protection, and asylum seekers. The country’s requirements and capabilities are taken into account while revising these limits each year.
Skilled personnel
The vast majority of immigrants from outside the EU who move to Germany are highly trained employees. Candidates must fulfill specific criteria, including holding a degree from an accredited institution and a job offer in the country. Candidates must also have a certain level of German language fluency to be eligible for the skilled worker visa. The government establishes an annual quota for highly skilled employees, which changes every year.
The reunion of families
Non-EU nationals may apply for family reunification visas if they have relatives who reside in Germany. However, there is an annual restriction on the total number of family-reunification visas that may be issued. Typically, there is a monthly maximum of 1,000 family reunification visas.
Seeking asylum
One of the most popular places in Europe for asylum seekers to go is Germany. The number of refugees the government may admit each year, however, is restricted. The cap was set at 170,000 refugees in 2021.
Humanitarian assistance
People who require protection but do not meet the criteria for refugee status are given special status known as humanitarian protection. There is a limit on the total number of visas for humanitarian protection that may be issued annually.
Student visas
Non-EU nationals may apply for a student visa if they wish to study in the country. There is no yearly limit on the number of student visas that may be issued, but those who want to apply must fulfill certain criteria. This includes having a confirmed acceptance to a German institution and having enough money to sustain themselves while they are in school.
Blue card
Highly qualified people who want to live and work in Germany are eligible for a special form of visa called the Blue Card. A university degree is required for 1.2% of all occupations in the country, which is the yearly requirement for Blue Cards. The cap was set at 15,000 for 2021.
Visas for language courses
Non-EU nationals may apply for a language course visa if they wish to take a language course in Germany. A confirmed acceptance to a language course and having enough money to maintain oneself during their stay are two criteria that applicants must satisfy. There is no yearly limit on the number of visas granted for language courses.
It is significant to highlight that Germany has made a concerted effort to entice more educated individuals and students to the nation. To make it simpler for people from outside the EU to get visas and settle in Germany, the government has put in place several initiatives and programs. The number of persons who may enter the nation is still significantly regulated by immigration quotas and limitations, nevertheless. Depending on Germany’s economic and social demands, the quotas and limitations for each visa category may alter from year to year.
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