Figures from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) have revealed that employees with a migrant background are overrepresented in shortage occupations in Germany.

Germany dependent on migrant background workers in shortage occupations

In Germany, a disproportionate number of employees working in occupations with a labour shortage have a recent migration background. 

According to a recently published press release, 67 percent of construction workers in Germany have a recent migration background, alongside 51 percent of agricultural workers, 47 percent of tile setters, 46 percent of hospitality workers and 46 percent of drivers for buses and trams.

Across German society, around 26 percent of people have a migrant background, meaning that they or their ancestors moved to Germany in 1950 or later. This means that workers with a migrant background are overrepresented in the abovementioned roles, which are among the many industries facing a labour shortage.

German organisations attempt to highlight reliance on migrants

During the election run-up debates, many of Germany’s main political parties centred discussions around further limiting immigration to the federal republic. Just days before winning the vote, Germany’s now chancellor-elect Friedrich Merz promised to solve the country’s migration “problem”. 

Merz’s plans contradict warnings from an increasing number of economists that the country must urgently welcome at least 400.000 foreign workers per year to plug its growing worker shortage and avoid further economic decline.

Many organisations across Germany, particularly those in nursing and healthcare, took the opportunity to show just how many of their current employees have a migrant background.

In a viral online video which kickstarted a trend, Klinikum Darmstadt in Hesse, showed a group of staff shrink as those with a recent migration background walked out of shot.

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