Germany should lure thousands of overseas nationals each year for the upcoming 10 years to offset the skill shortages, citing a report of a leading economic research institute.
Sources stated that ageing population and a deficit of skilled workers in various streams such as engineering and the medical occupations reflects that the country is facing a confrontation to pay pensions and offering healthcare. Germany will face a severe labor shortage and requires thousands of people every year to balance the pension system.
Notably, over one-fifth of German nationals are now 65 or older making it the second-oldest nation in the world, falling behind Japan. The country also has the lowest birth-rates, with an annual average of just 8.42 births per 1,000 people.
The German government has announced amendments to help immigrants settle and work in the country easily. In 2012, Berlin has outlined the Blue Card scheme, which relaxed procedures for recruiting highly qualified overseas nationals. The card allows overseas nationals holding a university degree and an annual salary of over €35,000 to file an application for permanent residency.
According to the Official statistics body Destatis report, Germany has recorded highest immigration level in 20 years in 2013 with 1,226,000 people entering the country. Germany is in need of nurses, doctors, plumbers, and caretakers for the elderly people. The nation is looking forward to attract any professionals, provided they possess the right skills.
The country also has plans to promote more childbirths and offers a liberal child benefit scheme for parents receiving €215 per month. Regardless of such policies, large-scale as well as long-term immigration is the only method to address the issue. The country finally needs migration to address the aging population.
