Germany’s new coalition government, formed by the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats on April 9, 2025, has outlined its migration policy priorities. The focus will be on attracting skilled workers while curbing illegal migration. Digitalizing the immigration process is also a key goal, with plans for a unified online platform for visas, work permits, and degree recognition. Other proposed changes include eliminating the fast-track three-year naturalization requirement and limiting the Western Balkan regulation to 25,000 people annually. These changes will require legislative approval and could take effect over the next four years. The coalition was formed after parliamentary elections on February 23, 2025, which saw the Christian Democrats/Christian Social Union come in first, followed by the Alternative for Germany and the Social Democrats. Migration is seen as a solution to Germany’s severe labor shortage. Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democrats, is set to become chancellor in May 2025 and will focus on economic reforms, defense spending, and public investment in addition to these immigration policies.
My insight: The emphasis on skilled worker migration and digitalizing immigration procedures shows that these issues remain a priority for the new government. A new agency will be established to manage migration, and more details on this agency will be released as they become available.