A new immigration law was approved by the German parliament on Friday in an effort to attract qualified people to the nation, which is now experiencing an unheard-of labour shortage that is straining the economy.

The measure, which was supported by the centre-left SPD, the liberal FDP, and the Greens, passed with 388 votes in favour, 234 against, and 31 abstentions.

"This draft law secures prosperity in Germany," Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said as she presented the government's plan in the chamber, though she added that it would only work if the bureaucratic hurdles were dismantled during its implementation.

“The shortage of skilled labour is considered one of the biggest brakes on economic growth in Germany, and skilled workers are missing everywhere,” Faeser added. She described the legislation as “a huge step for the future of our country.”

The opposition CDU and its sister party, the Bavarian CSU, formed a conservative parliamentary bloc that voted against the measure, claiming that it would make it easier for unskilled employees to enter the country.

The far-right AfD party also voted against it.

The law has a points-based system that lowers admission requirements for applicants based on their professional qualifications, age, and language proficiency.

More than half of Germany's businesses were having trouble filling openings earlier this year, according to the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK). This was because of a lack of trained personnel.

In its survey of 22,000 enterprises, the DIHK discovered that the percentage of businesses having trouble filling positions was at its highest level ever, with 53% of those businesses experiencing shortages.

Image source: Britannica