Germany aims to halve the number of approvals for work permits for citizens of Western Balkan countries from 50,000 to 25 thousand annually, starting on January 1st, 2027.

Against this proposal has been strongly opposed to the German construction sector, which warns direct consequences in the lack of labour, especially of workers from the region, including Albanians.

According to a report released on November 3rd by the German newspaper HINAAllgemenine BauseitungThe Federal government is expected to review the proposal Wednesday, November 4th.

The Federal Labour Ministry’s draft regulation envisions that the Federal Employment Agency gives only 25 thousand initial approvals a year, instead of the current 50 thousand quotas, it transmits Telegrafi.

German Central Construction Association ( ZDB warns that half the quota may cost the construction sector about 9,000 workers.

According to this organization, about 35 percent of visas issued through the Western Balkan Order belong to construction companies.

ZDB leader Felix Packepa has called on the German government not to approve the cut, stressing that the construction sector depends significantly on foreign workers.

According to him, every seventh employee in construction has a foreign passport and the restriction on the arrival of workers would make it difficult to implement housing projects, upgrade bridges and expand energy networks.

The regulation known as the Westbalkangelung allows citizens of Kosovo, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia to be employed in Germany under relaxed conditions, provided they have a concrete job offer.

Not even well – known professional qualifications in Germany can be employed through this scheme.

According to data quoted by the German construction organization, 98 percent of those who entered the German labour market through this regulation are employed.

The organisation requires that the government give up half-a quota and instead improve procedures, making them faster and digital.

The concern remains that new mechanisms warned by the government to facilitate migration of the workforce have not yet been functional.

The German government’s decision is expected to be of particular interest to the citizens of Kosovo and Albania, who make up an important part of the applicants from the Western Balkans for employment in Germany.

Source Layer: Insander