_new epoch: securing prosperity with foreign fachkräften (skilled workers)
Net product, growth and competitiveness are at risk. The reason is the need for more skilled workers - so-called Fachkräfte. There is a need for more personnel, especially in the health and social sector and the catering industry. But there are also gaps in electromobility, logistics and IT, and the German armed forces need skilled workers to survive in the changing times. Against this background, the Federal Government is facilitating the labour migration of skilled foreign workers.
What are the effects of the shortage of skilled workers?
For almost two-thirds (61 %) of all companies, the shortage of skilled workers is the greatest challenge. More than 50 per cent of all companies cannot fill vacancies, at least in part. As a result, orders could not be regularly implemented, and the company’s growth is massively slowed.
This results from a survey by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK). This shortage of skilled workers is estimated to result in the loss of almost 100 billion euros in value added. According to the DIHK, turnover is not only at risk but also transformation tasks that cannot be solved satisfactorily, and the general competitiveness of many companies is at stake.
The shortage of skilled workers is particularly acute in electromobility and renewable energies. The German armed forces also see a need for more personnel as an obstacle to coping with current social developments.
The consequences of staff shortages are already clearly felt in the hospitality industry. Services are being restricted and opening hours reduced. The result is an intensification of the adverse effects: overworked employees lead to decreasing motivation in the team and increased absences due to illness and dismissals of top performers, whereby imparted know-how is lost, and the staff shortage expands.
The federal government expects a skills gap of around 240,000 people in Germany by 2026. According to calculations by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), there will even be more than seven million fewer workers available by 2035.
The federal government promotes labour migration
The federal government wants to promote labour migration specifically. Special attention will be paid to Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The immigration of skilled workers is to be facilitated in general.
New centres for migration and development are to be established in nine countries, including Morocco. This project is financed with 150 million euros over three years by the Entwicklungsministerium (Ministry of Development). With its skilled labour strategy, it wants to improve the framework conditions for companies, businesses and public administrations.
The package of measures will continue to create more education and training opportunities, improve work-life balance and make the transition to retirement more flexible.
Residence permits for skilled foreign workers (Fachkräfte)
The requirements for a visa and a residence title are regulated in the Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz (Skilled Workers Immigration Act).
According to this law, a Fachkraft (skilled worker) is a person who:
- has completed qualified vocational training in Germany (at least two years)
- has acquired a comparable foreign professional qualification. Shorter foreign vocational training may be equivalent if the activity does not show significant differences or if these have been compensated for.
- has a comparable foreign higher education qualification
A residence title for employment can be granted to a skilled worker if:
- the foreign qualification has been recognised (not necessary in the case of vocational training/university studies in Germany),
- a future employer has already made a concrete job offer,
- in the case of a regulated profession (e.g. in the health sector), a licence to practise the profession has been granted or assured,
- the general requirements under foreign law have been met (e.g. valid passport, secure means of subsistence, etc.).
Accelerated procedure for professionals (Fachkräfte)
With a power of attorney from the skilled worker, employers can initiate an accelerated skilled worker procedure with the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners authority) in Germany. According to the Federal Government, this should significantly shorten the duration of the administrative process until the visa is issued. The fee for the accelerated procedure for skilled workers at the Ausländerbehörde is 411 euros. In addition, there is a visa fee of 75 euros and costs for the recognition of qualifications.
Are you looking for qualified, skilled workers for your company? Please feel free to contact us. Especially in Morocco, we can draw on a comprehensive network of cooperation. Please feel free to contact us. We will advise you comprehensively and support you with our expertise.
Contact:
Mamdouh Al Tajjar, Business Consultant, Associate.
altajjar@clayston.com