Over 80,000 job visas were issued in Germany during the first half of 2024. This is a considerable increase from the same period the previous year. According to the German Federal Foreign Office, skilled workers received over half of these visas, or over 40,000.

Record Visa Issuance and Rising Demand

This year, Germany has issued more visas than usual. From January to June, the Federal Foreign Office reported issuing more than 80,000 visas. Approximately 40,000 of these were for skilled workers.

This represents a significant increase from the 37,000 work permits granted over the same period in 2023. Germany issued almost 157,000 employment visas last year, roughly 79,000 of which went to qualified professionals.

This increase is part of Germany's effort to alleviate labour shortages. Economists believe that Germany needs approximately 1.5 million workers across a variety of industries. The country is experiencing substantial labor shortages in transportation, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, engineering, and information technology.

The Skilled Immigration Act, which will be implemented in stages beginning in November 2023, aims to reduce barriers for skilled workers from non-EU nations. This legal reform was meant to make the procedure easier for talented professionals looking to relocate to Germany.

Challenges and Barriers for Skilled Workers

Despite these efforts, the OECD has found substantial impediments that still prevent qualified people from relocating to Germany. The German Federal Foreign Office commissioned an OECD survey in 2022, which interviewed approximately 29,000 potential skilled workers in Turkey, India, and Colombia. Following-up interviews revealed that only 5% of these individuals had relocated to Germany.

The necessity to learn German, lengthy immigration procedures, and budgetary limits are all significant difficulties. Many prospective immigrants also expressed a wish for additional assistance in learning German and finding suitable employment.

According to OECD's Thomas Liebig, challenges in contacting German businesses and bottlenecks in the visa procedure add to the gap between the desire to work in Germany and reality.

German industry leaders, notably Peter Adrian, President of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), emphasize the need for a holistic approach. They say that, while expedited visa processes are vital, having a welcoming and inclusive environment is also essential. This includes offering assistance with housing and childcare.

Germany is making strides toward integrating migrants through jobs. According to OECD research, over 70% of migrants in Germany have found work, which is greater than in the majority of other EU nations. However, the government continues to struggle with attracting and maintaining competent individuals in the face of pressing economic requirements.

FAQS

What are the greatest obstacles to skilled workers relocating to Germany?

The necessity to learn German, lengthy immigration procedures, financial limits, and difficulty contacting German businesses are among the most significant impediments.

How effective has Germany been at integrating migrants through employment?

Germany has been quite successful, with over 70% of migrants finding work, which is greater than the percentage in most other EU countries.

What is the estimated economic impact of Germany's workforce shortages by 2027?

The German Economic Institute (IW) forecasts that lost output potential owing to manpower shortages might total €74 billion by 2027.