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- Starting June 1, 2024, Germany will double the annual work visas for Western Balkan countries from 25,000 to 50,000, addressing its skilled labor needs and benefiting citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
- The German Parliament extended the Western Balkan Regulation indefinitely, simplifying access to the German labor market for non-regulated occupations from these countries.
- At the end of 2023, about 76,000 individuals from these Western Balkan countries held work permits in Germany, demonstrating significant existing labor mobility.
- The visa application process will change from June 2024, ending the previous lottery system for these visas, though further details from German authorities are pending.
Starting June 1st, 2024, Germany is doubling the number of work visas available to citizens of Western Balkan countries to 50,000 per year. This move aims to address Germany's demand for skilled workers and offer new opportunities for people from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
This change follows the German Parliament’s decision to extend the Western Balkan Regulation indefinitely. This regulation simplifies access to the German labor market for these countries for any type of employment in non-regulated occupations.
At the end of 2023, around 76,000 citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia held work permits in Germany.
From June, the visa application process under the Western Regulation will change. Previously, Germany used a lottery system for these visas. However, now that the rules are expected to change, applicants should no longer be subject to this system. German authorities have yet to reveal any additional information on the matter.
The last lottery drawing for visa appointments occurred between May 7th and May 14th.
Jobbatical specializes in end-to-end global mobility, providing full support for the relocation of highly skilled professionals, for both employer and their employees. Our expert team takes care of all the time-consuming immigration and settling-in procedures and gives your hires an easy and enjoyable relocation experience. Schedule a free consultation to explore the best solution for your company's needs.
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