“Selecting by Origin” Revisited: On the Particularistic Turn of German Labour Migration Policy

Abstract Following a decade in which German labour migration policy has developed towards universalistic regime that applied similar conditions most third country nationals applying for admission, we observe slow but steady return of ethnic selectivity and particularistic features this area. Although human capital remains centrepiece the bundle regulations institutional settings govern process selecting migrants, factor respective origin applicants regained importance over last few years. This Chapter explores number deviations from legal framework, principle is universalist claims to put merits, certificates employers’ demand first. We demonstrate, however, starting obtaining work visa turn out be unequal, as they positively discriminate particular nationalities. prominence migrant admission policies vis-à-vis countries rather recent phenomenon Germany, something could observed other EU – not least Southern Member States already some These observations tend counter proverbial North-South divide, suggesting unexpected convergences within EU.