Germany is intensifying efforts to expedite visa procedures for skilled workers from outside the EU, announced Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Speaking at a Green Party meeting, Baerbock emphasized the necessity of foreign labor to bolster Germany’s economy.
To address this need, authorities are streamlining visa wait times for non-EU workers, reported by Schengen.News. Baerbock highlighted ongoing steps to simplify the process across various international locations. Notably, the waiting period for visas at the German Embassy in New Delhi has been notably reduced from nine months, though exact processing times were not specified.
Baerbock further outlined plans to digitalize visa applications during her tenure, aiming to enhance integration of skilled foreign workers into Germany. She stressed ongoing efforts to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and facilitate labor market access.
The initiative comes amidst Germany’s labor shortages, necessitating a 63% increase in national visas for foreign workers, as reported by DPA. This adjustment aims to accommodate approximately 400,000 workers annually, crucial for maintaining employment levels in Germany.
In addition to visa reforms, Germany recently launched the Opportunity Card to facilitate job searches for non-EU nationals. Furthermore, the country plans to increase work visas for individuals from Western Balkan nations, granting up to 50,000 national visas annually under the Western Balkan Regulation.