The German parliament has approved new legislation aimed at expanding employment prospects for individuals outside the European Union and refugees already residing in the country.

The reform to the immigration law seeks to attract more non-EU nationals to Germany for employment purposes, as reported by DW.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, representing the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), emphasized the importance of dismantling bureaucratic barriers for effective implementation of the law, which she believes will secure prosperity in Germany.

While some opposition parties expressed support for certain aspects of the government’s proposals, concerns were raised about lowering qualification requirements for foreign workers.

A notable provision in the law is the introduction of an “opportunity card” and points system, allowing individuals without a job offer to come to Germany for one year to seek employment, provided they possess vocational qualifications or a university degree.

The opportunity card also permits part-time work while searching for a qualified job.

Skilled immigrants will no longer need to have their degrees recognized in Germany if they can demonstrate at least two years of professional experience and possess a state-recognized degree from their home country.