Labor market - Skills shortage: Economy for "Welcome Culture"
Peak Business Associations in Germany consider a "Welcome Culture" necessary in light of the Skilled Labor Shortage in Germany. DIHK President Peter Adrian told the German Press Agency: "The message must be clear: We are glad to welcome you here in Germany. And there are many approaches. It starts with visa issuance when someone wants to come to Germany, and it ends with the provision of housing and childcare. We have deficits in many areas."
Skilled Labor Shortage as Business Risk
A survey conducted by the German Industry and Trade Chamber (DIHK) at the end of May revealed that over half of the companies cited the skilled labor shortage as a current business risk - besides high energy and raw material prices and weak domestic demand.
"What we primarily need is a better Welcome Culture," said Adrian. The new Skilled Labor Immigration Law is generally positive, he believes, but "it's too complicated. We're lagging behind in practical application. A Skill Pass should give people the opportunity to search for a job in Germany for a year. However, the conditions for the Skill Pass are too complex. I don't think we can attract many skilled workers with this approach."
Industry: "We want you"
Industry President Siegfried Russwurm also sees room for improvement in the implementation of the Skilled Labor Immigration Law. "The tasks begin at the embassies and consulates. We need to think and act accordingly. This Welcome Culture must penetrate to the local immigration authorities in the city or the district office."
That should also include practical questions, according to the President of the Federation of German Industries. "My favorite example: Can I register a car in my county office if I don't speak German? Is there someone who handles this standard process in English? These are banalities. But they help people incredibly who start working in another country, perhaps having had a first language course, but still feeling uncertain."
- Peter Adrian, the President of DIHK, emphasized the need for a "Welcome Culture" in Germany, considering the ongoing labor shortage, as he expressed to the German Press Agency.
- Adrian believes that while the new Skilled Labor Immigration Law in Germany is generally positive, its complexity is hindering its practical application, specifically in the issuance of a Skill Pass.
- The German Industry and Trade Chamber (DIHK) survey revealed that over half of the companies highlighted the skilled labor shortage as a significant business risk, alongside high energy and raw material prices and weak domestic demand.
- Siegfried Russwurm, the Industry President, also pointed out room for improvement in the application of the Skilled Labor Immigration Law, suggesting that embassies and consulates should actively promote a welcoming atmosphere and simplify processes for foreign workers.
- Adrian and Russwurm both agree that aspects such as the registration of vehicles or handling specific procedures in English can significantly contribute to improving the "Welcome Culture" for international workers in Germany, addressing the labor shortage by making it easier for skilled laborers to integrate into the German labor market.
