German state leaders to grapple with recognition of foreign qualifications

On Thursday, state premiers from each of Germany's 16 federal states will meet in Berlin for their quarterly conference, where foreign qualifications and labour shortages will be high up on the agenda.

Among other topics, state leaders will discuss how the recognition of foreign degrees and vocational qualifications can be simplified to make it easier for companies to hire skilled workers. 

Currently, professional qualifications obtained in a non-EU country must be formally recognised before a foreign worker can practise their profession in Germany. 

This affects a range of skilled professionals, including teachers, doctors and engineers. 

For several years, German politicians have been debating how to make the process simpler and less bureaucratic for foreigners. 

Back in July, Labour Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) called on the states to expedite the job recognition process for refugees, slamming the process as "too complicated and too slow".  

Easier recognition of foreign qualifications was also mentioned in the traffic-light coalitions Skilled Worker Immigration Law, which entered into force in November 2023. 

READ ALSO: How Germany is making it easier for skilled workers to get an EU Blue Card

However, since the recognition process is carried out within the federal states, major changes can only be made on a state level or through a joint agreement at the state premiers' conference. 

Flailing economy on the agenda

Another key topic at the conference will be Germany's flagging economy, which is currently marred by anaemic growth and a spate of layoffs at major companies.

In addition, the state premiers could revisit controversial reforms and cuts to the public broadcasters ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio. 

These, along with a slight increase in the licence fee, has been on the table for months, but so far a final decision has been postponed.

READ ALSO: How Germany plans to overhaul its public broadcasters

Vocabulary 

Recognition of qualifications / professions - (die) berufliche Anerkennung 

Simplify - vereinfachen 

State premiers - (die) Ministerpräsidenten 

Recruitment of skilled workers - (die) Fachkräftegewinnung