On 29 March 2023, the German federal government approved a draft law that amends the Skilled Worker immigration schemes, in an effort to address the shortage of skilled workers in Germany. The amendments, which are not expected to go into effect until December 2023 at the earliest, would provide easier access to the German labor market to third-country nationals with relevant skills and/or qualifications and include reforms to the rules for Blue Cards. The amendments passed by the German government do not include the provision included in the EU Directive, whereby individuals with at least five years of relevant professional experience would be eligible to obtain a Blue Card and work in any qualified occupation in Germany.
A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services group, and attached below, provides additional details.
