Germany to be Able to Take in 25,000 Workers from the Balkans Annually

The German government has adopted the decision on the extension of the rule on the moving in of unqualified labor force from the Western Balkans until 2023.

This enables citizens of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro to travel to Germany regardless of the formal employment qualifications, as announced on the website of the German Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

The new feature is the implementation of a quota of 25,000 workers from the Balkans a year.

– The extension of the rule on the Western Balkans by three years is good for the German economy. Certain economy branches such as construction are still expanding and they need workers. The lack of expert workers in these sectors must not stop the growth – said Labor Minister Hubertus Heil.

He adds that the arrival of qualified work force is important in case there is not enough such work force in Germany or the EU.

The old rule is in effect by the end of 2020. Since it came into effect in 2016, it has proven to be a very popular form of legal labor migration.

– The results of the assessment of the Institute of Employment Research (IAB) are positive as well. It has turned out that 58% of the workers from the Western Balkans countries are on the level of expert qualified labor force or above – the ministry says on its website.

The decision on the new rule is now to be adopted by the Bundesrat. It is on the agenda for October 9. Once Bundesrat passes it, the decision comes into effect on January 1, 2021.

German government

German Federal Ministry for Labor and Social Affairs

Institute of Employment Research

IAB

Bundesrat

Hubertus Heil

Western Balkans

migration of unqualified labor force

unqualified labor forced

construction

migration

qualified workforce