BERLIN (dpa-AFX) – Spring is coming and will bring some changes for consumers in March. It’s about immigration, a new register for organ donations and traffic. An overview:
More money for public sector employees
Federal and local government employees will receive more money from March 1st. The basic amount initially increases by 200 euros gross for all salary groups. After that, the table fees will be increased by 5.5 percent, but at least 340 euros more gross.
Higher health insurance contributions for pensioners
While the additional contributions to health insurance increased for many employees at the turn of the year, the changes also affect pensioners two months later. Depending on the health insurance company, the additional contributions vary. For those affected, the pension transferred will be correspondingly lower.
Labor immigration
From March 1st, it will be easier for companies to hire employees from non-EU countries on a temporary basis, for example for seasonal peaks. From then on it will also be easier for foreigners with professional experience to come to Germany.
Blue insurance license plates
Anyone who drives scooters, mopeds or mopeds without registration needs new license plates: a new insurance year starts on March 1st. From the deadline, only the new blue license plate will be valid.
Lobby register
From March 1st, new regulations apply to lobbyists in federal politics. It must be stated which specific legislative or regulatory proposals interest groups are referring to.
Online register for organ donations
The long-planned Internet register for organ donations in Germany is coming gradually. In the first step, from March 18th it will be possible to submit a voluntary declaration for organ and tissue donation using an identification document with eID function on www.organspende-register.de. In a second step, according to the Ministry of Health, hospitals should be able to search and retrieve the declarations by July 1st.
Culture pass for young people
The culture pass for young people is entering a new round. Young people who turn 18 this year will be able to identify themselves via the app from March and activate their culture pass budget. For their birthday there is 100 euros that they can spend on, for example, books, cinema, concerts, opera, records, museums and festivals.
Summertime
In Germany the clocks will be turned again on Sunday, March 31st. At 2:00 a.m. the hands move forward one hour to 3:00 a.m. The last Sunday in March is one hour shorter, but from this point onwards it is noticeably longer light in the evening. Summer time ends again on the last Sunday in October, this time on October 27th./vrb/DP/mis