The shortage of skilled workers is considered one of the greatest economic risks in Germany. Business associations are calling for improvements.
Leading business associations believe that a “welcoming culture” is necessary in view of the shortage of skilled workers in Germany. DIHK President Peter Adrian told the German Press Agency: “The message must be: We are happy to be able to welcome you here in Germany. And there are many approaches to this. This starts with issuing visas if someone wants to come to Germany and ends with providing accommodation and childcare. We have deficits in many areas here.”
Skilled labor shortage as a business risk
An economic survey presented by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) at the end of May showed that more than half of companies currently cite the shortage of skilled workers as a business risk – other frequently cited risks were high energy and raw material prices and weak domestic demand.
“What we need above all is a better welcoming culture,” said Adrian. The new skilled immigration law is generally positive. “But it is too complicated. We are lagging behind in practical application. An opportunity card is supposed to give people the chance to look for a job in Germany for a year. The requirements for the opportunity card are too complex, however. I don’t think that this option will attract many skilled workers to us.”
Industry: “We want you”
Industry President Siegfried Russwurm also sees a need for improvement in the implementation of the Skilled Immigration Act. “The tasks begin with the embassies and consulates. Everyone knows the American poster “We want you!” We must think and act in the same way. This welcoming culture must extend to the municipal immigration authorities in the city or district office.”
This must also include very practical questions, says the President of the Federation of German Industries. “My favourite example: Can I register a car at my district office if I don’t speak German? Is there someone who can handle this standard process in English? These are banalities. But they are a huge help to people who are starting work in another country, who may have had a first language course, but are still unsure. There is still a lot to be done in this whole chain.”
Source: Stern
