welt.de
Germany's Skilled Worker Exodus
High emigration rates of skilled workers are harming the German economy. Experts cite integration issues, bureaucracy, and a lack of government focus on retention as major causes.
German
Germany
EconomyGermany Labour MarketImmigrationRefugees And MigrationSocial IssuesGovernment PolicyLabor Shortages
Institut Für Arbeitsmarkt- Und Berufsforschung (Iab)Bundesagentur Für Arbeit (Ba)Institut Für Angewandte WirtschaftsforschungDeutsche Industrie- Und Handelskammer (Dihk)Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Arbeitgeberverbände (Bda)
Adam KaminskiHerbert BrückerBernhard BoockmannAchim DercksSteffen Kampeter
- What are some of the reasons why skilled workers are leaving Germany?
- The reasons for emigration are multifaceted, including difficulties with social integration, discrimination, and dissatisfaction with aspects of German life like bureaucracy, the housing market, and perceived unfriendliness. Professional reasons and immigration regulations also play a role.
- What is a significant trend regarding the length of time that foreign workers stay in Germany?
- Many emigrants leave Germany after only a short time; 39% stayed less than 12 months. A significant portion (nearly a third) stay between one and four years, indicating a problem with retention rather than initial attraction.
- What are the potential economic consequences of the emigration of skilled workers from Germany?
- The emigration of skilled workers poses a significant threat to the German economy, particularly given the existing labor shortages and demographic changes. This trend could lead to economic stagnation and negative consequences for social security systems.
- How many foreign citizens left Germany last year, and how does this compare to the number of arrivals?
- Approximately 805,000 foreign citizens left Germany last year, while 1.6 million arrived. This high emigration rate is concerning because it includes many skilled workers crucial to the German economy.
- What is a main criticism of the German government's approach to attracting and retaining skilled workers?
- Experts criticize the German government for focusing on attracting foreign workers but neglecting policies to retain the skilled individuals already in the country. They argue that improving the overall attractiveness of Germany, such as addressing bureaucracy and improving social integration, would be a more effective solution.