Skilled professionals such as engineers and doctors are required by Germany, forcing the government to look overseas to fill job vacancies.

Ministers are urging unions to back plans to recruit such individuals from other countries in order to meet shortages, which could rise to 6.5 million qualified people by 2025, according to the Associated Press.

Chancellor Angela Merkel has stated: "We will take further steps to make sure targeted immigration (for professionals) is possible."

The nation is already seeking candidates to fill healthcare and engineering jobs in Germany within the European Union, but is now looking to widen its net further afield.

A cabinet meeting was held this week to approve changes to immigration legislation that would enable companies to recruit members of staff from overseas more easily and the plans will now be placed before parliament.

The European Council is scheduled to vote later this month on country-specific recommendations for each member state's employment policies.

Posted by Alex Donnell