A commission of experts headed by former Bundestag speaker Rita Süssmuth spent nearly a year studying the problem of the inflow of foreigners into the country, reports NTV. The result of this work was a 300-page document. The experts' main conclusion: in the context of a sharp decline in the birth rate in Germany, without an influx of young and qualified immigrants, the country may bury hopes for economic prosperity and a high standard of living.
It is proposed to attract three main categories of immigrants to Germany. 20,000 relatively young people – up to 45 years old – and qualified foreigners will be able to receive a permanent residence permit and the right to work. A points system has been developed for selection. The younger, more educated, and more experienced a person is, the more points they are awarded. Knowledge of foreign languages, primarily German, as well as the presence of children also increases the chances of getting into Germany. The more, the better.
The second category also has 20,000 people. These are specialists in the professions with the most acute shortage in Germany at the moment. They will receive only a temporary residence permit and the right to work.
The third category of immigrants is school graduates. They will be able to receive vocational and technical education in Germany, and then, if they wish, settle there permanently.
Along with this, it is proposed to significantly simplify the procedure for the resettlement of foreign scientists to Germany. Foreigners who decide to start their own business in Germany can count on state support. This could be a dry cleaner or a car repair shop, a restaurant, or even a bank. The main thing is to pay taxes properly.
Already in September, the experts' proposals may acquire the status of a new immigration law, when the German parliament will consider this issue.
_