A building site in Berlin. Germany's construction sector is expected to suffer a shortage of over 100,000 workers, mainly because of the ageing workforce, by 2030. The country is specifically seeking skilled craftspeople, electrical engineers, IT specialists, carers, nurses, catering and hospitality professionals/Photo: AfricanCourierMedia

Greens push for full abolition of work bans on foreigners

At their recent party congress in Wiesbaden, Germany’s Green Party adopted a landmark resolution advocating for the complete abolition of work bans on foreigners without regular residency status. The Greens emphasized that those unwilling to utilize such opportunities should consider voluntary return, with the party advocating robust counselling to support reintegration in their home countries.

The decision, made with overwhelming support, underscores the Greens’ commitment to facilitating integration and economic participation for migrants.

The resolution further stipulates that any foreigner who works, studies or undergoes vocational training in Germany without committing crimes should have the right to stay and potentially attain citizenship. This measure aims to streamline pathways for migrants to transition into permanent residents.

However, the Greens stressed a firm stance on serious offenders, including those involved in religious extremism, advocating for rigorous legal action to mitigate security risks.

Party members highlighted that migration itself is not problematic; rather, it is the lack of integration that poses challenges.

Despite the brevity of the debate on this resolution, the party extensively negotiated amendments, ensuring broad consensus on their progressive migration policy. This development marks a pivotal step in the Greens’ agenda to reshape Germany’s immigration framework, aligning it with economic and social realities.

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