The number of work visas that the German Embassy in Sarajevo issued for Bosnian nationals in 2019 increased by 22 percent compared to the previous year, the embassy told news agencies.

The embassy did not specify how many visa requests were submitted or denied but only said that 17,532 work visas were issued for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

According to Anadolu Agency, many unemployed citizens are awaiting March 1, when Germany's new law on immigration of qualified labour force, which is expected to open the door to work visas for those with university diploma and, for the first time, those with a high school diploma.

The Embassy said that the law would open new paths and options for qualified workers as well as those hoping to become one, and who want to pursue their professional career in Germany.

The new regulations bring a change for those interested to work in IT sector, as they will now be able to apply for jobs even if they do not possess a formal diploma but have adequate work experience.

All citizens have free access to the application system and do not need to hire an agency for setting up an appointment, the Embassy said.

“You will not be getting an earlier appointment nor will you get an extra date if the application is submitted through an agency,” they added.

According to official data, Germany has over a million vacant posts, which pushed the country to facilitate the employment procedures for labour force from the countries outside the European Union.