BERLIN (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 07th June, 2019) The German parliament on Friday passed a set of bills that would make it easier to employ skilled foreign workers and deport illegal immigrants, a Sputnik correspondent said.
The policy bundle was approved in a 372-159 vote, with 111 abstentions, after a heated debate, which saw parties on the left side of the spectrum accuse other lawmakers of racism and xenophobia.
The package includes seven bills that will speed up deportations, allow migrants to be detained prior to their expulsion and punish those lying on their asylum application.
The motion will also facilitate the recruitment of "well-integrated" migrants and skilled foreign workers, who will not have access to social benefits.
Interior Minister Horst Seehofer from the ruling Social Democratic Union said this legislation would "put an end to a decade-long debate" if it is enforced. The measures have been criticized by the opposition Green and Left parties, which have argued that the bills violate multiple human rights, including the right of asylum.
