Immigrants Play Key Role in Alleviating Germany's Skilled Worker Shortages

New data reveals that individuals with migration backgrounds are disproportionately employed in professions facing acute labor shortages.

A 2023 survey by the German Federal Statistical Office shows that 67% of workers in construction-related trades have a migration background, a sector heavily affected by labor shortages.
Professions such as food production, transportation, and hospitality also report high representation of workers with migration histories, with percentages ranging from 30% to 50%.
In contrast, immigrants are underrepresented in sectors like public administration, education, and financial services, where their participation ranges from 10% to 17%.
The Bundesagentur für Arbeit identifies many of these high-immigrant professions, including elderly care and metalworking, as 'critical shortage occupations.'
Experts emphasize the importance of immigration in addressing Germany's labor market challenges, warning that negative political rhetoric could hinder recruitment efforts.