Germany to recognise foreign degrees

Chancellor Angela Merkel8217;s Cabinet is to approve legislation to recognise qualifications and degrees from foreign institutions,making it easier for foreign professionals to find work in Germany.

The new legislation is aimed at attracting more skilled labourers and opening access to the labour market to an estimated 300,000 skilled immigrants already in the country. The Cabinet on Wednesday is to approve the bill,which still has to pass Parliament.

The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce DIHK estimates the nation lacks 400,000 engineers,master craftsmen and skilled workers. The doctor8217;s association Marburger Bund says Germany lacks 12,000 doctors at hospitals and 3,000 general practitioners.

Germany8217;s unemployment rate dipped to 7.9 percent last month,one of the lowest in Europe.