How can migration be regulated?

Debates about asylum policy and immigration are often conducted very emotionally, also in Germany. The German Advisory Council on Integration and Migration (SVR) seeks to objectify political controversies with the help of scientifically based arguments.

Who works together in the Advisory Council?

In Germany many foundations deal with the challenges of immigration and developments in asylum policy. Seven have teamed up in SVR. The initiative was started by the Mercator Foundation and the Volkswagen Foundation. Nine experts from various disciplines belong to the team. They summarize the results of their work in an annual report.

What are the issues?

Education, flight and asylum are currently the focus of research projects. The results: studies on dealing with cultural differences, investigations into the career entry of international students and surveys on the motives of emigrants from Germany. Every two years, an integration thermometer measures the “temperature” in immigration society Germany. Always with the aim of providing a stimulus for discussions in politics and amongst the public.

What do the experts suggest for encouraging the migration of skilled workers?

Compared with academics, skilled workers from simple but in-demand professions find it harder to immigrate to Germany. Their qualifications acquired in their home country are often not recognized as equivalent. The Council of Experts has therefore proposed a more flexible approach to recognition.

Are suggestions made by the SVR implemented?

By 2018, the Federal Government intends to introduce an immigration law for skilled workers, which will summarize, simplify and systematise all existing regulations. This is in line with the proposals made by the Council of Experts in its annual report.

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