The Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz) facilitates the legal entry and employment of specialized labor from non-EU countries in Germany. This regulation aims to address the growing demand for qualified personnel across various sectors.

In Europe, debates on migration and asylum have intensified due to the recent surge in refugee inflows, leading to social and political tensions. At the same time, labor shortages and an aging population are becoming increasingly pressing issues. This has prompted policymakers to shift focus from traditional asylum systems toward skilled migration policies. Many European countries, particularly Germany, are adopting a “set asylum aside, focus on migration” approach, prioritizing economic needs. Winds of profound change are sweeping across Europe’s migration management strategies.

Why Skilled Migration Over Asylum?

As Europe’s largest economy, Germany has introduced significant policy changes by 2025 to streamline the entry of skilled migrants. The primary reason is the urgent need for specialized labor to sustain economic growth. According to the German Economic Institute, employers failed to fill approximately 630,000 positions in 2022 due to a lack of qualified candidates. The Ministry of Labor warns that without intervention, Germany could face a shortage of 7 million workers by 2035, while the Federal Employment Agency emphasizes the need for 400,000 skilled workers annually from abroad. These striking figures clearly illustrate why Europe is prioritizing skilled migration.

Skilled migration refers to the legal entry of educated and vocationally trained individuals. Germany’s new Skilled Immigration Act simplifies this process, particularly in sectors like healthcare, IT, and skilled trades, where shortages are acute. The law aims to attract qualified professionals to bridge these gaps.

Various visa categories—such as work, research, job-seeking, training, the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), and entrepreneur visas—are now available to skilled individuals. These measures reflect Germany’s official acknowledgment of its labor shortages. Other European countries are following suit; for instance, Greece plans to address its 80,000-worker deficit in tourism by employing asylum seekers and foreign laborers. The law also streamlines bureaucratic processes like qualification recognition and visa procedures, making it easier for applicants to start working in Germany.

“Zero Tolerance” Toward Refugees

This shift in migration policy has complex socio-political implications for refugees. On one hand, there are people fleeing war, persecution, or political oppression; on the other, there are skilled migrants who can contribute economically. Policies are increasingly differentiating between these two groups. In Germany, stricter rules apply to asylum seekers, while those offering economic benefits receive preferential treatment.

Refugees are often seen as individuals with no option to return, whereas skilled migrants enjoy legal residency and freedom of movement. This raises ethical questions about the humanitarian aspects of migration policies.

Western European countries are tightening asylum policies, restricting refugees’ rights to family reunification, social benefits, and free movement. For example, Germany has temporarily halted family reunification for subsidiary protection holders, sparking controversy. Increased border controls and a “zero tolerance” approach aim to deter asylum applications.

Germany’s new Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, has vowed to strengthen border controls and expedite deportations, calling current irregular migration numbers “unacceptable.” Such statements signal a hardening stance toward refugees. Asylum seekers now face longer waiting times, uncertainty, and rising anti-immigrant rhetoric in public discourse.

Another critical issue is integration and social acceptance. Refugees who arrived before March 29, 2023, benefit from certain exemptions, particularly those awaiting court decisions. However, even skilled migrants struggle with language barriers and adaptation, making integration even more challenging for traumatized refugees.

For instance, professions like doctors and engineers require at least B2-level German, while technical jobs may demand C1 proficiency. Bureaucratic hurdles and language requirements remain major obstacles. At the societal level, refugees are often unfairly associated with security risks or economic burdens. The rise of anti-immigrant parties in Europe pressures governments to adopt stricter measures, leaving refugees caught in the crossfire.

Despite these tensions, NGOs and local governments are working to support refugees through job market access and integration programs.

From Asylum to Skilled Migration

Europe is attempting to strike a new balance in managing global migration flows. Prioritizing skilled migration could provide long-term economic relief, as the aging continent needs younger workers to sustain its social security systems. Germany has formalized this approach, offering opportunities to those who contribute while restricting those deemed a burden.

However, skilled migration alone is not a complete solution. Improving asylum systems and sharing international responsibilities remain crucial, especially as conflicts and humanitarian crises continue to displace people worldwide.

The common thread for European nations is the need for controlled and well-managed migration. When planned effectively, skilled migration benefits both migrants and host countries. Germany’s new laws, for example, expedite diploma recognition, visas, and residency permits while investing in language courses and integration programs to foster faster societal inclusion.

“Set asylum aside, focus on migration” is more than a slogan—it encapsulates Europe’s shifting policy. Instead of seeking asylum, skilled individuals are encouraged to migrate legally, ensuring better integration and long-term stability. These policies aim to open doors selectively rather than shut them entirely.