Shortage of skilled workers
80,000 Syrians work in shortage jobs in Germany
After the change of power in Syria, Syrian refugees are expected to return home. A study warns of the consequences for the labor market. These professions would be hit particularly hard.
According to an analysis, a return of Syrian refugees to their homeland could have a negative impact on the German economy and increase the skills gap. Around 80,000 Syrians work in shortage jobs in this country, according to a study by the employer-related Institute of German Economics (IW).
Many people from Syria work in some professions that are particularly affected by the shortage of skilled workers. More than 4,000 recently worked as automotive mechatronics engineers. According to IW, almost seven out of ten vacancies in automotive technology cannot be filled with suitably qualified specialists.
More than 5,000 Syrian doctors
A large number of Syrians can also be found in other shortage professions. According to statistics, there were around 2,470 employees subject to social security contributions in dentistry, 2,260 in child care and education and 2,160 in health and nursing care. Many people from Syria have climate-relevant jobs in construction electrical engineering (2,100) and plumbing, heating and air conditioning technology (1,570).
“Syrian employees are important for the German labor market. They make a significant contribution to cushioning the shortage of skilled workers in Germany,” said IW economist and study author Fabian Semsarha.
Many Syrians also work in other professions in Germany. There were currently around 5,300 employed doctors. Their return would worsen the shortage of skilled workers and lead to supply shortages, the study says.
“Politics should offer secure prospects of staying”
From expert Semsarha’s point of view, the contribution of Syrian specialists is often underestimated in the discussion about a possible return home. “In many professions it will be difficult to fill positions if people leave the country.” Semsarha demands that the policy should offer working Syrians a secure perspective to stay.
According to the Federal Employment Agency, an average of 213,500 people of Syrian origin were employed subject to social security contributions in Germany between June 2023 and May 2024. Of these, 86,000 worked in unskilled jobs and 127,000 in qualified jobs for skilled workers with vocational training or studies. According to IW, another 155,000 or so are registered as unemployed and are immediately available for entry into the labor market.
dpa
Source: Stern
