Hiring International Workforce: The Skilled Immigration Act, Germany

Hiring an international workforce is not only beneficial, but in some examples, necessary. Germany, for instance, has been an "immigration country" since the 1950s and is still dependent on immigration,

Employing international workforce has many benefits for the companies. Employees with varying cultural backgrounds bring diversity to the company in terms of experiences, work-approach, ideas and perspectives; and, such diversity enhances the overall productivity and creativity in the company. 

Hiring an international workforce is not only beneficial, but in some examples, necessary. Germany, for instance, has been an "immigration country" since the 1950s and is still dependent on immigration, "because its demographic outlook is unfavorable". A high number of international workforce has been hired in German companies, including SMEs. According to a 2017 report, "Three in four SMEs currently employ foreign workers. Around half of all SMEs specifically plan to hire foreign workers by the year 2021." [Read More]. 

Besides its benefits, hiring foreigners have naturally challenges for companies. In order to ease that process and to bring more international qualified professionals to the country, the German parliament has passed a new law in 2019, The Skilled Immigration Act, which will be in force from 01.03.2020. The act provides various opportunities not only for the German companies that seek skilled labor, but also for the professionals from EU and non-EU countries that want to pursue a career in Germany [Read More].