Study Reveals Germany Needs Over 280,000 Migrants Annually to Sustain Workforce

Researchers highlight critical labor shortages, systemic barriers, and widespread discrimination as challenges to achieving necessary migration levels.

A study commissioned by the Bertelsmann Stiftung finds Germany requires an average of 288,000 international workers annually until 2040 to maintain its workforce amid demographic decline.
Without increased migration, the labor force is projected to shrink by 10% by 2040, with regional disparities in workforce shortages across states like North Rhine-Westphalia and Saxony-Anhalt.
Current migration falls short of this target, with only 70,000 workers from non-EU countries arriving in 2023, while 20,000 left due to barriers such as visa issues and discrimination.
Discrimination remains a significant obstacle, particularly in higher-skilled professions, discouraging qualified migrants from remaining in Germany despite their contributions.
Experts call for reducing bureaucratic hurdles, improving recognition of foreign qualifications, and fostering a more welcoming culture to attract and retain skilled international workers.

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung