🇧🇪 BELGIUM

New List of Bottleneck Professions

The Flemish region published a new list of bottleneck professions that is applicable as of September 1^st 2023.

First of all, what exactly are Bottleneck professions? Bottleneck positions are jobs for which the minister determines that there is a structural shortage. The minister draws up a list of those occupations every two years, which is published in a Ministerial Decree.  The latest list of bottleneck occupations was initially valid from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2023 but was extended to August 31 this year. 

The new list of middle-skilled bottleneck occupations open to migration will take effect on 1 September 2023. This list is adapted to the current economic reality and labor market situation and contains 29 positions among the following:

• Drilling and Pile Driver
• Car Bus Driver
• Car Coach Driver
• Refrigeration technician
• Industrial Sheet Metal Worker
• Plasterer-iron fixer
• Bricklayer
• Floor tiler/placer of wall and loor coverings
• Construction calculator and quality controller of mechanical and metal structures

On the other hand, the following positions are no longer on the list: 

• Chef
• Installer of data communication works
• Rigger-mounting engineer (rigger-monteerder).

For more information contact belux@expatmanagementgroup.com.

🇳🇱  THE NETHERLANDS

Update on Applications for US/Japanese Entrepreneurs In the Netherlands 

The Dutch Immigration Authorities (IND) will no longer verify first residence applications, as to whether the applicant meets the specific conditions. They will check if the applicant fulfills the general conditions for residence, for example, that the applicant does not pose a threat to public order or national security. If the IND comes to the conclusion that there is reason to do so, the applicant may be required to demonstrate that he does meet all conditions in advance. 

So, what does this mean?

In practice, this means that as of 1 August 2023, the IND no longer checks whether the applicant, who is applying for a so-called DAFT permit (a self-employed permit under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty or the Japanese Friendship), already established a company in the Netherlands, obtained a Dutch bank account and so forth. The IND will verify whether it has complied with those requirements within 6 months. This is a pilot and the policy can be revoked by the IND in case deemed necessary. 

Reach out to info@expatmanagementgroup.com for more information.

🇩🇪 GERMANY

The German Cabinet plans to ease the path to Citizenship

The German government has proposed a new law that allows dual citizenship for more people and speed up the process of application. Up until today, most German immigrants haven’t had the chance to acquire German citizenship next to that of their home country which means around 12 million people who live and work in Germany are excluded from taking part of the political process.

However, things are about to change. The citizenship reform plan allows for dual citizenship, simplifies the naturalization process, and shortens the time required before applying from 8 to 5 years. Those who can demonstrate a high level of integration and advanced German language skills will have the opportunity to obtain citizenship after just three years under the draft proposal.

The reform is also intended to simplify obtaining citizenship for members of Germany’s ‘guest worker’ generation that came in the 1960s, mainly from Turkey. Under the proposal, people from this generation will only need to pass an oral test to demonstrate their German language skills.

We will keep you posted on further developments. Reach out to germany@expatmanagementgroup.com for more information.

EDIT 23/1-24:

The German parliament has officially passed the transformative reform to the nation’s citizenship law, signifying a major advancement for immigrants and expatriates in Germany. This move reflects a significant policy shift and marks a new era in German immigration and integration efforts.

We break down key aspects of the new citizenship law below:

1️⃣ Shorter Residency Requirement: The naturalization period has been reduced from eight years to five years, with a possibility of further reduction to three years for those showing exceptional integration.

2️⃣ Dual Citizenship Permitted: In a major policy shift, the new law allows individuals to hold multiple nationalities, easing the decision for many immigrants to become German citizens without losing their original citizenship.

3️⃣ Special Recognition for ‘Guest Worker’ Generation: Acknowledging their contribution, the law makes it easier for this generation to obtain citizenship.

4️⃣ Focus on Integration and Democratic Values: Emphasizing the importance of integrating into German society, the law requires adherence to democratic values, language proficiency, and economic independence.

5️⃣ Adjusted Language Requirements: Certain applicants may now only need to demonstrate sufficient oral German language skills, recognizing individual efforts and circumstances.

6️⃣ Defined Exclusion Criteria: The law specifies clear grounds for exclusion from naturalization, particularly behaviors that conflict with the principles of equality and human dignity.

🌍 Global Mobility Impact:

This reform is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming society in Germany. It signals to the international community that Germany values diversity and integration. This change could potentially enrich the talent pool available to businesses, crucial for innovation and economic growth.

🔄 The Future Outlook:

While the long-term effects of these changes are yet to be fully seen, the reform marks a pivotal moment in Germany’s approach to citizenship, valuing diversity and integration as key to a thriving society.