On 7 July 2023, the German Federal Council ("Bundesrat") approved a draft law that was previously approved by the Federal Parliament ("Bundestag") and amends the Skilled Worker immigration schemes, in an effort to address the shortage of skilled workers in Germany. Some of the amendments will go into effect on 18 November 2023, with others between seven and ten months from the law's official publication date. The amendments focus on providing 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.
A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services group, and attached below, provides additional details.
