Industryweek 4842 Germany Flag Promo 0

Germany Seeks Skilled Migrants for Robotics Sector

July 22, 2013
Faced with a shrinking population and enjoying low unemployment, Europe's biggest economy is seeking such selective immigration for the first time in a program run by its federal labor agency.

BERLIN -- For first time Germany published a list of jobs it wants to fill with workers from outside the European Union to counter labor shortages in the ageing nation.

The jobs include hospital nurses and caregivers for the elderly, robotics experts, electricians and train drivers. Applicants must present qualifications deemed equal to those in Germany.

"We need skilled immigration to ensure Germany's long-term prosperity," said Labour Minister Ursula von der Leyen. "Shortages of qualified personnel affect not just graduates but also the middle part of the labor market."

She said the new list showed that "companies in many industries are desperately looking for qualified people -- not only engineers, but also for skilled workers."

Faced with a shrinking population and enjoying low unemployment, Europe's biggest economy is seeking such selective immigration for the first time in a program run by its federal labor agency.

Previously Germany struck bilateral accords to attract workers in specific fields, such as nursing staff from Croatia and the Philippines, said a spokesman for the economy ministry.

The new initiative to ease immigration formalities and cut red tape follows the European Union launching a "blue card" scheme for highly skilled job seekers from non-EU countries, and Germany easing requirements for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in a February report found that non-EU workers with low or medium skill levels have much more difficulty than foreign university graduates in obtaining work in Germany.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2013

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

Gain a competitive edge with real-world lessons on private 5G networks

Nov. 16, 2023
The use of private networks in manufacturing applications is rapidly growing. In this paper, we present valuable insights and lessons learned from the field with the goal of enhancing...

7 Crucial Steps to Improve Your OT Security

Oct. 23, 2023
Enhance OT security in manufacturing and production. Uncover the crucial steps to safeguard your operational technology. Protect against evolving threats and bridge the IT-OT ...

Pacing the Path to Digitalization

July 23, 2023
Explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities facing the ever-changing manufacturing industry, and how organizations should embrace digitalization to stay ahead of ...

Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics Guidebook for Engineers

Sept. 27, 2023
Leverage Domain Expertise to Drive Optimization – Without Needing a Data Scientist.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!