According to Economics Minister Robert Habeck, the gap in the labor market must also be closed through immigration. On the one hand, everything must be done to better raise the labor potential domestically, said the Green politician of the “Rheinische Post”. “But it is obvious that Germany also depends on immigration to meet labor needs, generate growth and secure prosperity.” For this purpose, the federal government passed the Skilled Immigration Act.
“We urgently need more skilled workers and workers. We all feel it in our everyday lives,” said Habeck. Companies are desperately looking for workers, craft businesses have to reject orders, and shops and restaurants have to limit their opening hours.
“Get out of the social system and into employment”
With a view to the debate about work permits for refugees in Germany, Habeck said he supports this for refugees who are already in the country. “I know that there are some reservations about it, and of course it is completely clear that we need better control over who comes into the country and that those who are not allowed to stay have to leave quickly. That is undisputed for me.” , emphasized Habeck. The common asylum system at EU level is one instrument for this, migration agreements are another.
“Only if someone has been here for some time now, the motto should be: Get out of the social system and into employment, so that refugees can earn their own living and make their contribution to the community,” said Habeck. “Specifically, we should change the deadline regulation for employment toleration so that people who have been working here for a long time can continue to do so and companies don’t have to look again,” said the Vice Chancellor.
Immigration necessary for growth
The demand for workers in Germany is very high and there is a shortage of staff in many places. The Federal Employment Agency reported the number of job vacancies as 761,000 in September. However, demand fell slightly. A year ago, the number of reported unfilled positions was 113,000 higher. At 45.99 million people, 347,000 more people were employed in August than a year ago.
The increase in employment is solely due to immigration. From the perspective of the employment agency, the need for personnel would not be met without immigration. In some regions, including eastern Germany, employment is no longer growing despite immigration.
