Germany – a more attractive labor destination thanks to the Recognition Act

The second report on the Recognition Act adopted by the Federal Cabinet this week gives a positive assessment of the act. The experience of three years since its enactment shows that the Recognition Act contributes considerably to increasing attractiveness of Germany for a foreign skilled workforce.

First, those who submit an application for recognition of a qualification obtained abroad have good chances of receiving positive ruling. In 96% of 26.500 cases filed since 2012 full or partial equivalence between the foreign professional qualification and corresponding German qualification could be established. The majority of applications were submitted by migrants from Poland, Romania, and Russia.  Secondly, a lot of recognition procedures concerned precisely the sectors that already experience a critical skills shortage, such as for example health and nursing care sector. Besides, roughly 40.000 guidance services on recognition of foreign professional qualifications were provided in this period.

According to the findings from a representative company survey conducted by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, the majority of German employers are very positive about the recruitment of immigrants with a foreign professional qualification. 80% of respondents would hire people with a professional qualification obtained abroad without thinking twice. Two-thirds of survey respondents are ready to assist the employees in the recognition process. Furthermore, some 40% of interviewed companies are acquainted with the latest amendments to the Recognition Act. These companies know that they can benefit from the recognition process, while securing an adequate supply of skilled workers.