By Letara Draghia •
Published: 26 Nov 2024 • 22:25
• 1 minute read
A new study by the Bertelsmann Foundation has revealed that Germany is dealing with a looming labour shortage that could shrink 10% of its workforce by 2040.
There needs to be a significant influx of skilled foreign workers, but challenges arise despite recent reforms to labour migration laws designed to attract international talent.
Germany’s shrinking workforce
The study revealed that Germany needs 288,000 skilled immigrant workers annually to maintain its workforce of 46.4 million. A second, more pessimistic projection suggests 368,000 workers per year may be required until 2040, with numbers slightly decreasing thereafter.
Susanne Schultz, a migration expert at the Bertelsmann Foundation, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating: “The departure of the baby boomers from the labour market presents big challenges this demographic shift demands immigration.”
Efforts to develop the domestic workforce alone will not be enough to offset this projected shrinkage, the report noted.
Germany’s labour reforms
Germany recently reformed its labour migration laws in order to make it easier for skilled workers to move to the country, including a promise from Interior Minister Nancy Faeser of delivering “the most modern immigration law in the world.” These reforms introduced measures like faster recognition of foreign qualifications and a streamlined visa process.
However, the Bertelsmann Foundation’s report emphasised that legal changes alone won’t suffice.
Germany’s struggle to integrate foreign workers is illustrated by a case reported by DPA News Agency. A Syrian refugee who earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Germany shared his experience of discrimination and lack of professional opportunities. Utimately he decided to move to Switzerland instead. He said: “I gave my very best here in order to be considered an equal, but I felt discrimination and rejection.”
Schultz noted this case is “unfortunately not an anomaly” and added, “Germany can’t afford that and must become more attractive.”
Germany’s labour market reforms are a step in the right direction, but further work needs to be done. With the departure of baby boomers and regional gaps in workforce shortages, the need for skilled immigration is more important than ever.
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Part-time writer, wife, and mother from the UK. Living an enjoyable life in southern Spain.
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