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Overview of New Sick Leave Regulations
The German coalition government comprising CDU, CSU, and SPD has agreed on a comprehensive reform package that includes stricter rules for sick leave management. A key change is the mandatory submission of a doctor’s certificate (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung) from the first day of sickness, abolishing the previous threshold which began on the fourth day. Additionally, the option of obtaining a sick note via telephone will be discontinued, requiring in-person medical verification for all sickness absences starting immediately upon illness onset [Source 1].
Details and Government Position on the Reform
The reform aims to address Germany’s comparatively high rates of sickness absences by increasing accountability and reducing misuse of sick leave. Employers welcomed the changes, with Rainer Dulger, president of the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA), praising the abolition of telephonic sick notes and the new requirement for immediate certification as an appropriate response to absenteeism [Source 1]. The government highlights that these new rules will improve workforce reliability and help maintain social welfare system sustainability by curbing extended unverified absences [Source 6].
Implementation Nuances and Criticism
The SPD has clarified that the law will be implemented pragmatically to ensure that employees do not actually have to visit a doctor on the very first day if they are mildly ill, aiming to prevent unnecessary strain on medical practices. SPD leader Lars Klingbeil emphasized that no one will be forced to see a doctor if it is not medically necessary, seeking to avoid undermining employee health protections [Source 3]. Despite this, critics, including medical practitioners and labour advocates, warn that the reform may increase bureaucracy and strain healthcare providers while imposing additional costs on the health system and patients [Source 5].
Practical Implications for Expats and Foreign Workers in Germany
For expats, international students, and foreign workers, the new sick leave rules mean that from the first day of illness, a medical certificate is required to justify absences from work or study. This change removes the previous grace period during which employees could self-certify short-term absences. Practically, individuals will need to schedule a doctor’s appointment early in their illness to avoid conflicts with employers or universities. Additionally, telephone-based sick notes, which were accessible to patients known by their doctors, will no longer be an option, requiring physical visits to medical offices [Source 1].
Expats should be mindful of this shift as it may affect access and costs related to healthcare visits, especially for minor illnesses. Ensuring timely access to healthcare providers and understanding the documentation requirements will be vital to maintaining compliance with German labour and educational regulations. The reform also signals a stricter approach towards sick leave, aligning with employer expectations to reduce prolonged unverified absences [Source 7].
Overall, while the reform aims to strengthen work discipline and reduce economic losses due to absenteeism, foreign nationals living and working in Germany should prepare for increased procedural demands related to sickness certification starting from the first day of reported illness.
For further details, see the original Tagesschau report: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/krankschreibung-krankheitstage-reform-100.html [Source 1].
