Professional Immigration Trends for Skilled Workers in Europe 2024

PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION TRENDS FOR SKILLED WORKERS IN EUROPE 2024
(GERMANY, FRANCE, AND SPAIN)

GERMANY: FURTHER NEW PROVISIONS FOR SKILLED WORKERS NOW IN FORCE
Date of Adoption: March 1, 2024 (Second Stage), with the Third Stage Due in June 2024
Germany has introduced significant changes to its immigration laws to attract skilled workers from non-EU countries. These changes are part of the Skilled Immigration Act, which aims to address the skills gap in the German labour market.

Key Changes

1. Skilled Workers with Practical Work Experience:
   Workers with at least two years of practical experience in non-regulated careers can now work in Germany without needing official recognition for their qualifications. This change allows skilled workers to enter the German labour market more easily and start working immediately upon arrival.
2. Nurses and Carers from Non-EU States:
   Nursing assistants with one or two years of training can now take on permanent jobs in Germany’s healthcare system. Previously, this was only possible for nurses who had completed three years of training. This change aims to alleviate shortages in the healthcare sector by making it easier for qualified nursing assistants to work in Germany.
3. Residence for Recognition of Foreign Vocational Qualifications:
   Skilled workers can travel to Germany before their vocational qualification is officially recognized, provided they have a state-recognized vocational qualification and German language skills. This provision allows workers to start their employment while their qualifications are being processed, facilitating a smoother transition into the German workforce.
   • https://smithstonewalters.com/2024/03/11/germany-further-new-provisions-for-skilled-workers-now-in-force/
   • https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/arbeit-und-soziales/skilled-immigration-2264340
   • https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/germany-relaxes-entry-regulations-for-international-skilled-workers-302074307.html

FRANCE: NEW COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION LAW INTRODUCED
Date of Adoption: January 27, 2024
France has enacted a new comprehensive immigration law that aims to control illegal immigration, promote integration, and address labour shortages in specific sectors.

Key Changes:

1. New Residence Permit for Medical Professionals:
   A four-year renewable residence permit has been introduced for non-EU doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and midwives. This permit aims to meet recruitment needs in hospitals and medico-social establishments by attracting qualified medical professionals from outside the EU.
2. Limits on Repeated Renewal of Temporary Residence Permits:
   Temporary residence permits can no longer be renewed more than three times. This change is intended to encourage long-term stability and integration of foreign nationals in France.
3. French-Language Proficiency Requirement:
   Applicants for multi-year residence permits must now prove a minimum level of French proficiency. This requirement aims to ensure better integration of foreign nationals into French society.
4. Regularization of Undocumented Workers:
   A one-year renewable residence permit has been introduced for undocumented workers in sectors facing labour shortages, such as construction and catering. This measure provides a legal pathway for undocumented workers to regularize their status and contribute to the French economy.
   • https://www.faccnyc.org/news/french-immigration-bill-glance%C2%A0
   • https://kpmg.com/xx/en/home/insights/2024/02/flash-alert-2024-043.html
   • https://www.crownworldmobility.com/insights/immigration-weekly-update-february-01-2024-2/

SPAIN: NEW IMMIGRATION REFORMS
Date of Adoption: First Semester of 2024
Spain has announced new immigration reforms aimed at simplifying procedures, protecting migrant rights, and aligning with European directives.

Key Changes:

1. Simplification of Procedures:
   – The reform aims to reduce the types of residency authorizations and eliminate unnecessary procedures. This simplification is expected to make the immigration process more efficient and accessible for foreign nationals.
2. Protection of Rights:
   The reform focuses on enhanced rights for long-term foreign residents and their families. This includes better protection against labour exploitation and improved stability for long-term residents.
3. Single Permit Directive:
   The reform will implement the European Single Permit Directive, which streamlines the process for obtaining a combined work and residence permit. This directive aims to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and make it easier for foreign nationals to live and work in Spain.
4. Long-Term Residence Directive:
   The reform will also implement the Long-Term Residence Directive, which improves the rights of long-term residents and their families. This directive aims to provide greater security and integration opportunities for long-term foreign residents in Spain.
   • https://spainresidency.com/blogs/spanish-immigration-reforms-2024/
   • https://balcellsgroup.com/reforms-immigration-regulations-2024/
   • https://www.expatfeliu.com/en/actualidad/new-immigration-reform/
   • https://www.immigrationspain.es/en/immigration-news-spain-2024/

As these reforms take effect, companies like EOM Europe (www.eomeurope.com) can play a crucial role in helping skilled workers navigate these new regulations. As an employer of record, EOM Europe can streamline the hiring process, ensuring that skilled workers can enter the labour markets of Germany, France, and Spain faster and more efficiently. By handling the complexities of immigration compliance and employment logistics, EOM Europe enables businesses to focus on their core operations while benefiting from the talents of a diverse and skilled workforce.

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skilled workers, #europe is calling! 💼✈️

• Germany : new laws make it easier for skilled pros to work without official recognition. Nurses & carers can now find jobs with less training. Get settled while your qualifications are processed! 🏥👩‍⚕️
• France : a new residence permit for medical pros, limits on temp visas, French language requirement, and a path for undocumented workers in shortage sectors. 🩺📝
• Spain : cutting red tape, protecting migrant rights, and aligning with #eu directives. single permit for work & residence, better stability for long-termers! 🌐📋

With @eomeurope as your #employerofrecord, navigate these changes seamlessly. Land your dream job in the EU today! 💻🚀 #skilledimmigration #careermove #eomeurope