Highly skilled programmer, previously based in Stockholm, affirms Berlin offers competitive wage rates in job switch
In recent years, a notable trend has emerged in Europe, with an increasing number of foreigners leaving Sweden and moving to Germany. This shift is largely driven by Germany's significant reforms to its Skilled Immigration Act and a more streamlined immigration process, making it an attractive destination for skilled workers.
The German government, through reforms implemented from late 2023 to mid-2024, introduced the "Opportunity Card" system. This innovative initiative allows skilled workers from around the world to enter the country for job-seeking purposes based on a points system. Simplified recognition of foreign qualifications and the removal of bureaucratic barriers have made it easier for foreign workers to gain access. As a result, the proportion of temporary workers with foreign nationality in Germany rose substantially from 33.7% in 2018 to 45.7% in 2023, signaling a growing role of temporary employment as a gateway into the German labor market.
On the other hand, Sweden, while still attracting migrants, has faced challenges in integrating some groups. This has led some foreigners to seek better employment prospects in Germany. Despite a modest GDP growth outlook, Germany continues to present a dynamic labor market with specific policies facilitating immigrant integration. Temporary employment agencies also contribute language courses and cultural training, supporting migrants' successful labor market entry.
Additional factors driving migration from Sweden to Germany include Germany's larger economy and labor market size, more comprehensive immigration reforms, and integration support measures, combined with the EU-wide context where migration significantly contributes to population growth amid natural population decline.
One high-profile case that shed light on Sweden's migration bureaucracy was that of Shabab, who became known as the face of "talent deportation" in Sweden due to a work permit rejection in 2017. This incident led to Sweden changing its rules so that work permit holders wouldn't be punished for minor mistakes committed by their employers. Shabab's case was followed by several similar incidents, and a petition to prevent Shabab's deportation was signed by over 10,000 people and was backed by tech industry leaders like Spotify founder Daniel Ek.
Despite Swedes being generally perceived as more easygoing and accommodating by Shabab, interactions with some Germans were found to be more challenging and frustrating compared to Swedes. However, Shabab misses the tradition of fika from Sweden and found the process of relocating from Sweden to Germany relatively smooth.
In terms of business, while both countries offer feasible opportunities, it may be easier in Germany due to its larger population. In the IT sector, the German work culture is similar to Sweden. Shabab finds Germany to offer more career opportunities.
In summary, the trend of foreigners leaving Sweden for Germany is supported by Germany’s recent immigration policy reforms easing labor market access for skilled immigrants and increased use of temporary employment as an integration pathway. These factors make Germany an attractive destination for foreign workers compared to Sweden in recent years.
- The introduction of the "Opportunity Card" system in Germany, a points-based system for skilled workers from around the world, has facilitated immigration and made Germany more attractive for job-seeking foreigners, contributing to a growing role of temporary employment as a gateway into the German labor market.
- Meanwhile, Sweden, though still attracting migrants, faces challenges in integrating some groups, which has led some foreigners to seek better employment prospects and integration support in Germany, where comprehensive immigration reforms, larger economy, and labor market size, combined with EU-wide context and specific policies for immigrant integration, have made Germany an attractive destination for foreign workers.
- In the realm of general news and political discourse, the case of Shabab, known as the face of "talent deportation" in Sweden due to work permit rejections, has highlighted the sharper focus on immigration policies in Sweden, particularly regarding work permits for foreigners. This case, combined with Shabab's experience of finding more career opportunities in Germany, emphasizes the impact of immigration policies on the lives of foreign workers and their career development.
