A new German law requires informing foreign workers
A modification to Germany's Residence Act will come into force on the first day of 2026. This update introduces a clear obligation for employers: they must communicate the fundamental labor rights to every foreign worker they hire, starting from their initial workday. The measure is part of a broader effort to integrate equitably into the labor market and safeguard basic rights. The rule applies to all economic sectors and contract types, with no exceptions. 🏛️
What companies must convey
Employers have the duty to explain in a clear and accessible manner several key aspects of employment. The information must cover the agreed salary, daily working hours, annual rest days, notice periods for contract termination, and channels for reporting rights violations. This information can be provided in writing, digitally, or in an informational meeting, but it is crucial to have evidence that the employee received and understood it. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in administrative sanctions for the company. 📄
Key points that must be communicated:- The exact amount of the agreed salary and the payment periodicity.
- The established duration of the workday and breaks.
- The number of vacation days to which the worker is entitled.
The most crucial welcome manual might not be about company culture, but about ensuring you get paid as agreed. A paradox that highlights the need for this regulation.
The purpose of equitable integration
The concept of Fair Integration driving this law aims to prevent workers from other countries, due to not mastering the language or being unaware of the legal framework, from being at a disadvantage or suffering exploitation. By ensuring they know their rights from the start, equal working conditions are promoted, and their effective incorporation into German society and labor market is facilitated. This obligation adds to other existing requirements, such as having a valid residence and work permit. 🤝
Main objectives of the regulation:- Protect foreign employees against abuses due to ignorance.
- Promote a transparent work environment with equal conditions.
- Complement and strengthen existing legal integration mechanisms.
A necessary change in labor practice
This legal modification represents a concrete step toward a more transparent and protective labor market. It obliges companies to be proactive in informing, which can prevent conflicts and ensure that all employees, regardless of their origin, operate under the same clear rules from the start. More than a bureaucratic procedure, it is configured as an essential tool to defend fundamental rights and build genuinely fair labor integration. ⚖️