In the long term, the German labor market depends on a significant number of immigrants every year. To have sufficient supply available, approximately 288,000 international workers would be needed annually by 2040, according to an analysis commissioned by the Bertelsmann Foundation.
Labor migration is currently considerably lower than necessary. Barriers must be reduced and conditions for migrants improved.
It can be sobering to look at an example. A 29-year-old who fled Syria in 2016 told the German news agency that he completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees at universities in North Rhine-Westphalia – and is now leaving Germany as a well-trained IT specialist. He says he’s going to Switzerland.
Experiences of discrimination drive away skilled workers
“I delivered top performances here to be seen as an equal, but I felt discriminated against and rejected.” He had to deal with a lot of devaluation in his social life, study environment and part-time job. Despite working part-time at an institute and having a very good master’s degree, he did not receive a suitable job offer: “I want to be treated as an equal, but I don’t want to beg for it.”
Migration expert Susanne Schultz says the case is “unfortunately not a total outlier.” “Germany cannot afford something like this and must become more attractive.” reduced.
Significant net immigration from third countries, not from other EU countries
Without additional immigrants, the number of workers in Germany would fall from the current 46.4 million to 41.9 million – by about ten percent – due to demographic changes. The bottom line is that immigration from other EU countries has fallen sharply recently, making third countries all the more important. According to Schultz, around 70,000 workers will come from third countries in 2023, but at the same time 20,000 will have left Germany.
“Germany now has a very liberal immigration law,” says the scientist, referring to the reformed immigration law for skilled workers. “However, it needs to be put into practice much better.” Bureaucracy and a lack of staff, including in immigration authorities, are barriers. Moreover, a mental change is needed in many authorities – “a clear move away from a restrictive, negative attitude towards an active welcome”.
Discrimination is widespread in appellate courts
According to the study, successful immigration into the labor market benefits companies and migrants and should also “sustainably promote a cooperative attitude towards migration among local populations.” However, discrimination exists and there is a trend for discrimination to be more severe in higher level jobs than in lower level jobs. Qualification could be exercised, says Herbert Brücker of the Institute for Labor Market and Occupational Research (IAB).
And: “What is interesting is that these people are generally well integrated, have high qualifications and perform well, but still often report experiences of discrimination.” Surveys repeatedly show: “Many people say, for example, that a Syrian or a Muslim as a colleague is fine with them, but a Muslim or Syrian as a boss, teacher, judge or mayor would be a problem for them.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
