Shaping skilled immigration
Targeted immigration of qualified individuals is needed to satisfy the German labour market’s long-term demand for skilled workers. Through various services and approaches, BIBB is contributing to sustainable skilled labour immigration.
In addition to “modern training” and “targeted professional development and training", the 2022 Federal Government's Skilled Worker Strategy also specifies “modern immigration policy” as a field where action is need to meet the demand for skilled workers. The Further Development of Skilled Labour Immigration Act entered into force in 2024. It provides new opportunities for taking up qualified employment, or starting academic or vocational training in Germany. Vocational skills in particular are a key component of skilled worker immigration interests of all parties involved: migrants and their countries of origin on the one hand, and the German labour market and VET system on the other.
As a result of its work implementing German vocational education and training, BIBB directly addresses the demand for skilled workers in Germany. Additionally, it supports the organization of sustainable skilled labour immigration by providing information and advice on the general legal and practical conditions in Germany and abroad. This is achieved through networking with relevant stakeholders and by reviewing foreign qualifications.
Recognition of foreign professional and vocational qualifications
Since 2012, the German Recognition Act has provided the option of a recognition procedure in Germany for all individuals with qualifications from abroad. BIBB has been supporting the successful implementation of recognition since 2012 with the Federal Government's information portal “Anerkennung in Deutschland”, and through recognition monitoring and other responsibilities.
Recognition of foreign professional and vocational qualifications
Checking VET certificates from chambers of commerce abroad (AHKs)
The new regulations under the Skilled Labour Immigration Act make it possible for people in non-regulated occupations to access the labour market even without recognition in Germany. Among other things, this requires state-recognised training in the country of training. Specific qualifications from chambers of commerce abroad (AHKs) can also be used as an alternative. BIBB checks these qualifications at the request of the respective AHK.
Reviewing VET certificates from chambers of commerce abroad (AHKs) – category A
iMOVE: Promoting the recruiting of skilled workers through an internationally active German education sector
Foreign skilled workers and German employers need to be brought together. For this, iMOVE at BIBB connects German businesses with the active German education sector abroad. This international sector is engaged in recruitment, adaptation qualifications and the placement of skilled workers and potential trainees.
GOVET: Skilled labour qualifications abroad
A cornerstone in the recruitment of skilled workers is qualification measures that support the German employment market by German actors abroad. As the German Federal Government’s Central Office for International Cooperation in Vocational Education and Training, GOVET advises and informs institutional actors on initial and continuing VET in the countries concerned, legal regulations and opportunities for labour- market-oriented training abroad.
GOVET – German Office for International Cooperation in Vocational Education and Training
Migration and flight – a topic for BIBB
Vocational education and training makes an important contribution to the professional integration of people with a migration background. Since the 1980s, BIBB has been engaged in research, development and in the implementation of programmes and projects looking at how immigrants and refugees can be successfully integrated into training, continuing education and employment.