Labour market
Green Party paper: Abolish work ban for refugees
Green Party leaders propose a package of measures to combat the shortage of skilled workers. (Archive image) Photo
© Sven Hoppe/German Press Agency/dpa
Anyone who wants to work in Germany as a foreigner has encountered a number of problems so far – despite the shortage of skilled workers. Top Green politicians are now presenting proposals for a package of measures.
The Greens want to address the shortage of jobs and skilled workers in Germany needs to be tackled more strongly. The “Süddeutsche Zeitung” reports on a paper in which top politicians from the party list 15 measures. A central demand is to abolish the ban on work for refugees. “It is absurd that people who seek protection in Germany from political persecution or threats to their lives are banned from working here,” says the paper, which is also available to the German Press Agency.
“As long as people can live and work here, they should be able to do so without red tape. That is why we propose to fundamentally abolish all existing work bans,” it continues.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) and Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) had already agreed in July during their negotiations on the 2025 federal budget to lower the bureaucratic hurdles for foreigners to take up work. Habeck said at the time that the aim was to reverse the authorization authority of the immigration authorities. In future, the following should apply: “If they do not object after 14 days, then the work of foreigners is considered approved.”
English as a second language in public offices
In their paper, top Green politicians also advocate the creation of a central immigration agency. This should enable qualified job seekers to access the German labor market even faster, in a more digital and service-oriented manner, relieve the burden on local offices and supplement structures in the states. The paper also states: “We advocate working with the offices and authorities to develop a roadmap for the introduction of English as a second language in offices.” The recognition of professional qualifications and professional qualifications should be made faster and easier. According to the paper, the Greens are also calling for visa issuance to be further accelerated.
The paper was drawn up by the Green Party parliamentary group leaders Katharina Dröge and Britta Haßelmann, among others, together with members of the Bundestag and state politicians. Parliamentary group leader Dröge told the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”: “Skilled workers are lacking everywhere. Bus drivers, engineers and nursing staff are urgently needed.” An alliance between companies and politicians is needed so that more people decide to live and work in Germany.