Employment visas: Germany gets 80,000 foreign workers in 2024
Germany aims to recruit 7 million skilled workers by 2035 to bridge the job market gap
Dubai: In a bid to address acute labour shortage, Germany has issued 80,000 employment visas to skilled foreign workers in the first half of 2024.
Notably, 40,000 of these visas were granted specifically to skilled professionals, marking a 3,000 increase from the same period in 2023. This surge underscores Germany's commitment to filling critical roles as labour shortages continue to impact its economy.
570,000 job vacancies highlight urgent need
A recent analysis by the German Economic Institute (IW) reveals a staggering 570,000 unfilled job vacancies across the nation. The IW emphasised that this shortage is stifling production potential and curbing economic growth. "For companies, this means that their production potential is being wasted," the report noted. In response, Germany aims to recruit 7 million skilled workers by 2035 to bridge this gap.
High-demand occupations and sectors
Germany's job market is experiencing a significant shortfall in over 70 different occupations.
Key sectors with the highest demand for skilled foreign professionals include:
- Transportation
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Government Initiatives to Attract Talent
To mitigate these labour shortages, the German government has introduced several measures to simplify immigration processes for skilled workers. Among these is the German Opportunity Card, designed to streamline the employment process for foreign nationals, making it easier for them to work in Germany.
As Germany continues to bolster its workforce with international talent, the country remains a prime destination for skilled professionals seeking new opportunities.