The chairwoman of the Advisory Council also calls for more investment in children in the fight against the shortage of skilled workers.
(Photo: dpa)
Berlin In order to address the shortage of skilled workers, economics Monika Schnitzer proposes more immigration. “Germany needs 1.5 million immigrants a year if, minus the considerable emigration, we have 400,000 new citizens every year and thus want to maintain the number of workers,” said the economist of the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”.
“We urgently need a culture of welcome,” added Schnitzer, who heads the German government’s Advisory Council. The new Skilled Workers Act is a step in the right direction.
“But more is needed. For example, immigration offices that do not deter immigrants, but offer a service. We shouldn’t demand that foreign skilled workers speak German for every job. But make sure that the employees of the immigration office can speak English”.
In order to address the shortage of skilled workers, Germany must also invest more in children. “It’s a sign of poverty that every fourth grader can’t read properly.” The companies have to keep the older employees happy so that they don’t retire early.