BMI publishes feasibility study on the establishment of a central immigration authority

Machbarkeitsstudie zur zentralen Ausländerbehörde für Erwerbsmigration veröffentlicht

The challenge of attracting qualified specialists from abroad has taken on a new urgency for Germany in light of demographic change and the ongoing shortage of skilled workers. In light of this development, it is crucial to make migration administration efficient and future-proof. A comprehensive feasibility study, which was prepared on September 24, 2024, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs (BMI) in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) and the Federal Foreign Office (AA) and published on February 25, 2025 , examines how administrative processes in the area of labor migration can be optimized through technological, procedural, and organizational adjustments. Particular attention is paid to the question of whether the creation of a central immigration authority can contribute to solving the existing challenges.

Technological and process optimizations

The study recommends developing a central, interconnected IT platform that digitizes and simplifies all processes related to residence permits, including visas. A key aspect is the once-only principle, which ensures that data is entered only once and can then be processed efficiently. This central platform would serve as a first point of contact for applicants and forward processing steps to the relevant authorities. Additionally, artificial intelligence and automation technologies will be used to increase processing efficiency.

Another crucial point is the centralization of the issuance of residence permits. The study proposes more closely linking the visa process with the issuance of the initial residence permit in the country. This would eliminate redundancies and leverage synergies to accelerate processing. The goal is to reduce the number of necessary appointments and make the remaining appointments more efficient.

Organizational centralization: opportunities and challenges

The feasibility study also presents various options for organizational centralization. One of the most promising solutions is the creation of a tandem between the Federal Office for Immigration Affairs (BfAA) and the Federal Employment Agency (BA). In this model, responsibility for issuing visas and residence permits would lie with the BfAA, while the BA would remain responsible for labor market access. This option would enable rapid implementation and cost savings by leveraging existing structures, while also improving the quality of administration.

Alternatively, the establishment of a new federal agency for labor migration could be considered. This solution would enable centralized administration of all relevant processes under one roof and ensure transparent and consistent processing of applications for applicants. However, establishing a new agency would involve considerable costs and a longer timeframe.

Advantages and disadvantages of a central immigration authority

Centralization offers numerous advantages:

• Faster adaptation: A central authority can respond flexibly to increasing numbers of applications and manage capacities efficiently.

• Uniform procedural management: Centralization ensures that the application of residence law is uniform and transparent throughout the entire federal territory.

• Better control and quality assurance: A central authority promotes specialization and enables consistent management of processes.

• Cost reduction: Significant cost savings can be achieved by reducing interfaces and redundant processes.

• Potential challenges

Despite the many advantages, there are also challenges that must be considered:

• Legal hurdles: Comprehensive centralization could require legal adjustments that should be carefully examined beforehand.

• Acceptance in the states: A central administration requires the consent and cooperation of the states and municipalities, as they are relieved of some of the burden by the transfer of tasks.

• Costs: Establishing a central authority could involve high initial costs, especially if new structures need to be created.

Conclusion: A sustainable solution for Germany

The study shows that a centralized immigration authority can significantly increase the efficiency of administrative processes in the area of labor migration through technological and organizational optimizations. The combination of a central IT platform and the centralization of core processes in an institutional partnership between the Federal Office for Foreigners and the Federal Employment Agency (BA) appears particularly promising. This solution could significantly simplify and accelerate administration not only for skilled workers from abroad, but also for the administration itself.

However, implementing such a solution requires a careful assessment of opportunities and risks, as well as legal and organizational preparation. If these challenges are met, Germany could make its labor migration administration sustainable and efficient.