German Immigration News

A bumpy start for the new entry/exit system The European Entry/Exit System (EES) , which collects biometric data from all third-country nationals entering the Schengen Area, is already causing significant problems in its current testing phase . Although full and mandatory implementation is still planned, numerous airports are already using the system – with clearly noticeable consequences for travelers. Chaotic scenes at European airports Reports from Alicante, Malaga, G

The German Federal Government is further advancing the digitalization of migration administration. At the Cabinet meeting on November 5, 2025, a policy paper outlining key points for the initiative "Introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Visa Procedures and Migration Administration" was presented. Although the full document has not yet been published by either the Federal Ministry of the Interior or the Federal Foreign Office, it is already becoming clear that the

With the publication of the official policy paper on the "Work and Stay" agency (WSA), the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) has initiated the next phase of skilled worker immigration . The planned agency aims to simplify labor migration procedures, consolidate key responsibilities, and better support employers in recruiting and integrating international skilled workers. However, the paper also reveals that the federal government plans a significant expa

The European Union is further tightening visa regulations for Russian citizens . Following the tightening of border controls for Russian diplomats last month, the new rules now apply to all Russian citizens – with only a few exceptions. The EU's aim is to reduce security risks associated with Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. No more multiple-entry visas The key point of the new regulation: Schengen visas allowing multiple entries will generally no longer be i

The debate surrounding German citizenship has flared up again. After the coalition government passed a comprehensive reform of citizenship law in 2024, the CDU and CSU now want to reverse key aspects of this reform – particularly the general allowance of dual citizenship . The trigger is the current "cityscape" debate, which revolves around issues of integration, social identity, and belonging. Union politicians see the extensive liberalization of citizenship law as a misguid

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has announced a significant relaxation of the work bans for asylum seekers in Germany . In the future, even those whose asylum procedures are still pending will be allowed to work after just three months . The federal government is responding to the ongoing shortage of skilled workers and the increasing pressure to integrate refugees into the labor market more quickly. This could represent a crucial opportunity for many asylu

As of June 1, 2025, a new requirement for naturalization has been in effect in Brandenburg : Anyone wishing to apply for German...

From 2026, the salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card are to rise by around five percent . This is due to the planned adjustment of...

Federal Labour Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) has launched an initiative that is intended to fundamentally change the German labour market: With the planned “Work and Stay Agency”, she wants to speed up the process of skilled immigration centralize, digitize, and accelerate . The goal is to make the procedures simpler and more transparent for both foreign skilled workers and German employers . Currently, applicants have to interact with an average of seven different authorities

It sounded like a great idea: With the new " Work and Stay Agency, " the German government wants to finally bring order to the chaos of...

Abolition of “turbo naturalization”: Bundestag reverses reform of citizenship law On October 8, 2025, the Bundestag voted by a large...

In Berlin, there is currently a growing number of cases in which international students are being denied an extension of their residence permit for studies – even though they have long been in the country, are studying successfully, and have legally met all requirements to date. Students at the IU International University are particularly affected. They are suddenly accused of not being "on-campus studies" as defined by Section 16b of the Residence Act – even though they have

On August 11, 2025, the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) published an updated state circular concerning the situation of...

Economy: More workers from the Western Balkans The labor shortage in Germany continues to worsen – not just in industry and retail, but...

The discussion surrounding the so-called "Work and Stay Agency" is attracting attention – and raising many questions. The German...

On October 12, 2025, the time has come: The European Union will officially launch the new Entry/Exit System (EES) – a digital entry and...