Migration lawyers criticize lack of regulation in labor migration
- VG3
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
Germany faces a dual challenge: While the government is making significant efforts to combat irregular migration, the area of regular labor migration remains largely unregulated and chaotic. Recent discussions on LinkedIn and among experts demonstrate that dubious visa agencies from Germany and abroad are increasingly exerting an opaque and uncontrolled influence on the German labor market.
Agencies from India and Great Britain openly advertise visa services for Germany, without any legal basis or oversight. Despite clear violations of the Legal Services Act (RDG), government enforcement is lacking. For German companies desperately seeking skilled workers, this not only puts them at a competitive disadvantage but also reduces their planning security. Applicants from abroad are confronted with opaque and overpriced "services" that often result in legally questionable procedures.
Germany – an immigration country without immigration management?
The discussion shows that Germany suffers from a systemic deficit in the management of labor migration . Authorities such as the immigration authorities are overburdened, processes are lengthy, and there is a lack of a central strategy for a transparent and legally secure immigration process. While other countries are actively shaping their skilled labor policies, Germany relies on a patchwork of outdated structures and political symbolism.
Demands on the Federal Government: Regulation and Market Discipline
Several experts in the fields of migration and labor are now calling for a structural rethink. A professional labor migration policy must implement the following points:
Consistent enforcement of the RDG: Illegal visa and residence permit advice by foreign or domestic agencies must be prosecuted as an administrative offense. The Federal Office of Justice is responsible for this.
Regulation and certification of international placement agencies: Only vetted and certified agencies are allowed to operate in the German market. This protects companies and applicants from dubious business practices.
Vocational training with a focus on migration and integration: There are over 320 recognized vocational training occupations in Germany – none of which relate to migration management or integration. There is an urgent need to catch up in this area.
State restraint in private sector tasks: The state should concentrate on its sovereign tasks (keyword: fast and legally secure immigration authorities) and otherwise protect the market from distortions caused by state-owned enterprises.
Expand digital infrastructure: Positive signals such as the new online service for the Opportunity Card or a central appointment system for naturalization tests in Berlin demonstrate that digitalization can be successful. These approaches must be rolled out nationwide.
Conclusion
Germany needs immigration – but it needs it right. A clearly regulated and legally secure labor migration policy is essential to compete successfully in the international market for skilled workers. Unregulated markets, amateurish implementation, and a lack of law enforcement harm not only the economy but also Germany's reputation as a modern immigration country.
