Germany is calling all Foreign Workers

Germany is trying to get ahead of its skilled worker shortage. Last October, the government announced a strategy focusing on education, upskilling, increasing labor participation, improving work culture and reducing emigration. Europe’s largest economy is also reforming its immigration laws to make it easier for skilled workers from abroad to come to Germany.

Germany currently needs 630,000 skilled professionals immediately, in addition to 80,000 teachers by 2030, according to a Cologne Institute study. According to the government's 'Make it in Germany' website, the professions in demand include nursing professionals, physicians, engineers, IT specialists, scientists. To meet the demand, recently made changes to their laws to allow skilled workers enter the country with ease.

Most of the other developed countries have been scouting for talent in the same sectors, in addition to hotels and restaurants, industry, construction, and logistics. Last month, Canada announced that it would be focusing on Express Entry candidates who have work experience in healthcare, STEM professions, trades (carpenters, plumbers and contractors), transport and agriculture.

US citizenship test changes are coming, raising concerns for those with low English skills

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services proposes that the new test adds a speaking section to assess English skills. An officer would show photos of ordinary scenarios – like daily activities, weather or food – and ask the applicant to verbally describe the photos.

In the current test, an officer evaluates speaking ability during the naturalization interview by asking personal questions the applicant has already answered in the naturalization paperwork.

“For me, I think it would be harder to look at pictures and explain them,” said Heaven Mehreta, who immigrated from Ethiopia 10 years ago, passed the naturalization test in May and became a U.S. citizen in Minnesota in June.

Post Pandemic, Golden period for Skilled Workers moving overseas

Developed countries such as the US, Canada, Germany, and Australia are facing labor shortages due to an aging population and low birth rates. To address this, these countries are streamlining their immigration systems to attract talent in fields like IT, healthcare, STEM, and education.

A significant uptick in global demand for skilled professionals has been noted as countries recognize the importance of attracting talent to support their economic growth and development. Shortages are most pronounced abroad for skilled individuals, especially in the healthcare, IT, legal, hospitality and financial sectors.

Germany currently needs 630,000 skilled professionals immediately, in addition to 80,000 teachers by 2030, according to a Cologne Institute study. According to the government's 'Make it in Germany' website, the professions in demand include nursing professionals, physicians, engineers, IT specialists, scientists. To meet the demand, recently made changes to their laws to allow skilled workers enter the country with ease.