New recommendations of the “Initiative for a Capable State”: setback for skilled workers

The final report of the “Initiative for a Capable State” Under the headline "Germany needs immigrants – reception procedures and integration will be improved," it promotes concrete measures to redesign integration processes. However, what initially sounds like progress reveals serious weaknesses upon closer inspection – particularly with regard to skilled immigration law .

At its core is the thesis that the federal government is currently responsible for too many integration services, while states and municipalities supposedly understand more about education and training. This premise is supposed to form the basis for a shift in responsibilities. Even if one were to accept this thesis—which is already debatable—it is by no means an argument against a nationwide coordinated organization of integration measures , for example, by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). Central management ensures comparable standards. Specialists are mobile within Germany. It should make no difference whether they start in Bavaria or Saxony—nationally uniform programs are crucial.

Another problem is the massive overestimation of the performance capabilities of local and state governments , which runs through the entire catalogue of measures. The immigration authorities are to become “central contact points” if they can be better staffed and technically equipped. However, this requirement is not only unsubstantiated – it also remains without any implementation strategy. There is no discussion whatsoever of where the financial resources for more attractive salaries in the public sector will come from and how these can be made equally available in all federal states. It also remains unclear what exactly “better technical equipment” means: Does it mean faster hardware, modern software, or far-reaching process digitalization?

Particularly puzzling is the suggestion that the proposed solutions are also applicable to the asylum procedure and the labor market integration of tolerated persons. However, the responsibility for asylum procedures is clearly defined: Implementation lies with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) – a federal agency. Why municipal immigration authorities should then act as the first point of contact remains puzzling. Such a proposal reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of administrative reality.

Conclusion

Overall, the report reveals a clear lack of professional depth. The recommendations for action appear superficial, at times contradictory, and lack sufficient expertise. What appears to be a reform proposal is, upon closer inspection, a step backward – at least for skilled immigration. The management of skilled immigration must be at the federal level . This is the only way to ensure uniform standards, efficient procedures, and genuine mobility within Germany. The recommendations for action of the "Initiative for a Capable State" fail to recognize the challenges – and thus jeopardize the capacity to act that they themselves advocate.