German Foreign Office Invites Global Skilled Workers to Address Labour Shortages

The German Foreign Office is inviting skilled workers from all over the world, including Indonesia, to work and live in Germany amidst the demographic challenges currently facing the country. “So, simply put, we want skilled labour immigration to Germany and we need skilled labour immigration to Germany,” said Dr. Martin Bergfelder, Special Representative for Skilled Labour Immigration at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, in Berlin, confirmed on Friday. Bergfelder stated that Germany is currently experiencing a significant shortage of workers. For some time, the German labour market has relied on immigration from other European countries, particularly from Eastern Europe over the last 20 to 30 years. However, this trend has ended because the same demographic issues are now occurring in Eastern European countries. Many nations in Eastern Europe are beginning to catch up, and their citizens are increasingly returning to their home countries. Consequently, Germany is starting to face a shortage of skilled workers following this wave of repatriation. “So, we want people to come. We need them. Across all political parties, skilled labour immigration is very welcome and needed. And we also want people to come and stay,” he said. He added that the invitation extends not only to those who already possess good qualifications suitable for working in Germany but also to those who wish to pursue vocational training or study in Germany. The German Foreign Office, together with relevant ministries and agencies such as the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the Goethe-Institut, and the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK), continues to promote and provide accurate information about opportunities to work and live in Germany. The German government is undertaking several efforts to encourage skilled workers to come to Germany as part of its strategy through bilateral relations with countries around the world, including Indonesia. Germany is also continuously working to improve its bureaucracy to enhance immigration governance, including through the Work and Stay Agency, which provides a one-stop digital service to simplify bureaucratic procedures, making them easier, faster, and more practical. Fundamental matters such as finding accommodation, locating schools for children, and establishing connections to social life are also a focus in Germany, ensuring that people who come to work and live there receive the support they need to integrate. Furthermore, in addition to having beautiful mountains, beaches, and large and small cities, Germany also boasts a fairly good healthcare and social security system.