German coalition leaders have agreed to lower bureaucratic hurdles for foreign nationals seeking employment in the country.
Under the terms of the preliminary 2025 national budget, which was agreed on Friday by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck and Finance Minister Christian Lindner, the powers of German immigration authorities to reject work permits are set to be limited.
Habeck said foreign nationals should automatically be allowed to take up employment in Germany, unless immigration authorities object within 14 days.
Integrating more refugees and prospective taxpayers into the labour market could be a "lever for more growth," Habeck emphasized.
The Green politician said he often meets employers who struggle to hire qualified workers due to bureaucratic obstacles.
No further details on the proposal have yet been released.