Berlin: The German government said Sunday it plans to issue over 10% more professional visas in 2024, aiming to fill its 1.34 million job vacancies and tackle chronic labour shortages, news agency AFP reported.

The increase follows last year's liberalisation of immigration rules and the introduction of a Canada-inspired points-based system.

In 2024, 200,000 professional visas will be issued, along with a 20% rise in student visas and a doubling of apprenticeship visas.

Foreign qualification recognition has also surged nearly 50%, the government statement revealed.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the reforms aim to attract the skilled workers and professionals urgently needed by Europe's largest economy.

The points system, which considers criteria like German language skills, professional experience, and age, may also aloow non-EU nationals to bring their families.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasised the need for further reforms to address the annual shortfall of 400,000 workers, particularly in sectors like healthcare, services, and technology.

While immigration has boosted employment by 1.6 million in five years, with 89% of new jobs filled by foreigners, it remains a divisive issue in Germany.

The far-right is leveraging the topic ahead of legislative elections following the collapse of the coalition government.

Without contributions from non-Germans, employment levels in Germany would have declined in 2023, underlining the critical role of immigration in sustaining the economy.