By easing immigration, Germany is trying to avoid a crisis of 2.5 lakh missing workers (2024)

Germany is predicted to have a shortage of about 2,40,000 skilled workers over the next four years.

To avoid such a labour shortage, the EU country is already taking steps to simplify its immigration system and attract more foreign skilled workers.

Due to the growing labour shortage, the nation is on the lookout for people who are interested in travelling to Germany for work and will bring their skills, expertise and passion, said economics and climate minister, Robert Habeck.

According to the new immigration rule, Germany plans to offer dual citizenship, as well as a special citizenship status which will be valid for 3 to 5 years for skilled workers, after they fulfill certain criteria's.

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The German government made it clear that it aims to attract both academic and vocational skills.

During an address on the government’s ‘Make it in Germany’ YouTube channel Habeck commented, “We welcome people from all over the world". This was specifically targeted to skilled craftspeople, electrical engineers, IT specialists, carers, nurses, catering and hospitality professionals

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Other listed in-demand jobs include physicians and scientists. There has been a reported shortage of metallurgy workers and builders.

Labour Minister Hubertus Heil had predicted last week that there might be a shortfall of around 240,000 skilled workers by 2026. The reasons for this ranges from the digital transformation of the economy, to the pandemic as well as the impacts of the Ukraine war which consistently presents new challenges for the labour market.

“For many businesses, the search for skilled labour is now an existential question," said Labour Minister Hubertus Heil adding, “And our country needs skilled labour, to manage the digitisation of our economy, and its shift towards becoming climate-neutral."

Germany has previously announced in November 2021, that it had plans to allow non-EU citizens to hold dual nationality, for the very first time. Previously, this was only permitted under very specific circ*mstances, a report cited.

Authorities also pledged to simplify the overall application process, while also hinting at reducing the amount of time that someone is required to live in Germany before they can apply for citizenship.

The move is part of Germany's plan to modernise immigration laws and remove bureaucratic hurdles to ensure easier access to the German labour market.

ET Online