Employment agency calls for the end of faxes and letters from the immigration authorities

Before the cabinet decision for a new immigration law for skilled workers was made, the Federal Employment Agency demanded a digitization boost from the immigration authorities. So far, only about half of the correspondence with immigration authorities can be processed digitally.

"For the other procedures, we are involved in the BA by fax or post by the immigration authorities," said Vanessa Ahuja, the director of the federal agency responsible for international business, on Wednesday in Nuremberg. "For simpler and faster processes, we would like to see 100 percent digital paths."

“The shortage of skilled workers and workers is increasing. Even if all domestic levers are used to secure skilled workers and workers, that will not be enough to cover the demand for workers for demographic reasons.” Thresholds must therefore be lowered and immigration into the labor market made simpler, less bureaucratic and more attractive. So the reform is going in the right direction. "Germany is becoming more interesting for foreign workers."

However, the new law also means more advice and more effort in processing applications. "In securing skilled workers, we see a task for society as a whole, which should then also be met from tax funds and not solely from contributions from the paying employees and employers," said Ahuja.

She pointed out the importance of adequate staffing of all authorities involved. "Because not only the legal access routes have to be simplified, but also the framework conditions for a successful implementation have to be created."

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