Germany needs more immigrants—Chancellor Scholz

Germany needs more immigrants—Chancellor Scholz

GERMAN Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for an increased flow of skilled foreign workers outside the European Union (EU), stating that Germany’s economy depends on it.

In a speech to lawmakers, Scholz introduced his “Germany Pact,” a comprehensive, nationwide program that aims to boost the country’s economy.

Scholz told his fellow lawmakers that Germany needs foreign workers, emphasizing that 13 million workers will retire in the next decade, creating a labor shortage.

He urged authorities to simplify immigration procedures to ensure that professionals, like nurses from Georgia and I.T. specialists from India, can quickly obtain visas and work permits.

The “Germany Pact” includes digitalizing public administration, reducing business bureaucracy, securing clean energy, and expanding housing.

In response, opposition leader Friedrich Merz called for measures to make job income more attractive and address illegal immigration as a priority.

Germany saw 1.5 million net immigrants in 2022, with 2.7 million arrivals last year, including 1.1 million from Ukraine. The nation currently hosts 13.4 million foreigners, and 24 million of its 83.2 million population have an immigration background.

A May poll showed that most Germans support stricter immigration policies, with nearly half wanting fewer refugees. 54% believe that the disadvantages of immigration outweigh the benefits, while only 33% think the opposite.

 

Follow SMNI NEWS on Twitter