STORY: It’s about the opportunities for workers from countries outside the European Union on the German job market. The Federal Cabinet has decided on key points for a reform of the Skilled Immigration Act in the coming year. This does not only apply to recognized specialists. The 23-page key points also provide a “Job Search Opportunity Map”. This should be based on a new point system and not just on qualification. There should also be new immigration opportunities for unskilled workers if a need is seen in certain sectors. Five ministries jointly agreed on the key points, which were presented on Wednesday with much praise by the traffic light coalition partners involved. O-Ton Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP), Federal Minister of Education: “Today the cabinet launched something that is long overdue.” O-Ton Robert Habeck (Greens), Federal Minister of Economics: “It is a law that points forward, that is offensive, that advertises offensively for a society of many and says: We need the skilled workers from other regions of the world.” O-Ton Nancy Faeser (SPD), Federal Minister of the Interior: “It will be the most modern law in Europe on immigration, on immigration of skilled workers. And it is not least the economy that tells us that this law is absolutely necessary.” O-Ton Hubertus Heil (SPD), Federal Labor Minister: “We will pull out all the stops to leverage domestic potential. From training to further training, to women’s participation in the labor market and inclusion in the labor market, it is important to pull out all the stops to ensure that a shortage of skilled workers does not become a brake on growth. And when we’ve done all that, it won’t be enough. We need additional qualified immigration from abroad.” According to the coalition, the immigration of skilled workers should be based on three pillars. They are based on the recognition of academic and professional qualifications, on professional experience and on the potential of possible workers. Among other things, what is new is that recognized Skilled workers are no longer only allowed to work in their traditional profession.