The German government is introducing its own version of a “green card”, the Chancenkarte (literally “opportunity card”), in an attempt to plug its desperate labor shortage. Industry associations have been complaining for some time, and the Labor Ministry has suggested the shortfall is slowing economic growth.
The new “opportunity card,” presented by Labor Minister Hubertus Heil in the German media this week, will offer foreign nationals the chance to come to Germany to look for work even without a job offer, as long as they fulfill at least three of these four criteria:
1) A university degree or professional qualification
2) Professional experience of at least three years
3) Language skill or previous residence in Germany
4) Aged under 35
Labor Minister Hubertus Heil wants to boost immigration of skilled labor
The criteria are not unlike those used in Canada’s points system,…
