Why is Germany on the lookout for skilled immigrants and what are the opportunities available?

Skills that matter

Prior to 2020 Germany had a steady economic growth providing better social services, salaries and overall living standard than anywhere else in Europe. Furthermore, digitalization, as well as changes towards sustainable economy have led to the need of international skilled workers. Some of the most sought after professions in Germany are:

• Doctors are always on demand because of shortages of clinicians and private practices. While the country offers high earning opportunities and social benefits it is important to note that many foreigners might have to do a recognition of their qualification to be able to practice medicine within Germany.
• Nurses are also very needed, in hospitals or care facilities. The same rule regarding recognition of diploma applies to nurses, as well as B1 or B2 level of German.
• Engineers especially those with expertise in construction, mechanical engineering and vehicle manufacture are very highly regarded
• Experts in the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) have plenty of work opportunities
• IT specialists are very much in demand and thousands new jobs yearly are looking for experienced or trained computer specialists.
• Handymen are also important for small or medium companies for different applications like industry and trade.
• Professions like childcare workers, drivers, cooks and agricultural works are also in great demand. 

To encourage the expertise in the professions in demand, Germany offers opportunities of Training (Ausbildung) during which time companies hire and train individuals for some reimbursement. Usually the Training lasts 2-3 years, is in German and with an average salary of €900 per month. After the Ausbildung, the trainee usually gets either assumed by the company or is well prepared for finding a job in that field. 

Battles against unemployment

During the mid 2000s Germany was struggling with a high unemployment rate which has reached its peak in 2005. From that moment on it made a turn in the numbers by introducing the Hanz reforms which lowered the unemployment benefits of the people in order to motivate job interest. This controversial method proved as successful and followed by other practices like increasing the participation rate of senior workers as well as offering flexible employment options. 

In 2020 the unemployment rate in Germany was once again increased by 25% compared to the previous year due to the lockdowns, loss of jobs and businesses. But the country was soon able to get back on track through a governmental allowance by the name Kurzarbeit or “short work”. The concept of Kurzarbeit is to reimburse the companies so that their employees get 50% to 100% of their net wage, as well as some social security contributions. Companies eligible for this scheme are the ones in which at least 10% of their workers have their working hours reduced more than 10%. Thanks to these reforms the country managed to get back on track with companies beginning to look actively for new employees which can be noticed by the drop in unemployment. 

People's perception

The sentiment from the Germans and the settlers in the country has shifted in the last period and is influenced by many national and international changes such as the leaving of Angela Merkel. This is particularly concerning German citizens as they will have the responsibility to vote for the next chancellor. The level of trust in the government remains almost constant, with around 50% of the Germans saying that they can rely on it. However, according to a study by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, the confidence in media among people from seven countries (Germany, USA, India, Mexico, Jordan, South Africa and Philippines) has become significantly lower with 44% of the interviewees stating they mistrust the media and their power to spread false potentially dangerous information.

This skepticism is also visible through the moods of the people living in Germany. A staggering 91% of the people claim to have been stressed professionally or privately due to the Corona period. As a consequence to these frustrations the sense of freedom among the Germans has been shattered. More than the half of the participants say that it is difficult for them to express a political opinion and that Covid made things even more tense as discussions regarding vaccine are perceived as political and polarized. 

Equal opportunities?

Germany offers plenty of opportunities in every field and it is known to be generously accepting asylum seekers from all over the world. Additionally, the country has a good system to help with adaptation through integration courses, and vocational training. Recognized asylum seekers are allowed to work in Germany without restrictions. Despite its strict indiscriminative policy regarding gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or national provenance, smaller ethnic groups remain oftentimes underrepresented. Only German nationals are allowed to vote, but in order to become a national one has to renounce their previous citizenships. Therefore, there is a still a large number of people who maintain their residence in the country, but are unable to vote. 

The Agentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) is an organ that helps with job search, and makes sure that there is no economic exploitation in the labor market. The Employment Agency is in charge of reviewing job visa applications, giving priority to German, European and nationals with residence permit. During the processing it has to make sure that workers are reimbursed appropriately and are not being underpaid. 

Overall Germany is a welcoming country that provides some of the best career opportunities in Europe. While still very traditional with working practices, it works towards full inclusion and acceptance of minorities. It is a country that continuously works on improving and creating a good quality life for everyone that lives in it.