Germany to welcome 250,000 Kenyan workers amid labour shortages
Germany has agreed to open its labour market to 250,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers from Kenya. On Friday, the President of Kenya, William Ruto, and the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, signed the agreement. Meanwhile, border controls are set to commence on Monday.
Germany is grappling with serious labour shortages in key industries. As a result, they are trying to ease visa restrictions to encourage skilled workers from abroad to fill these gaps.
As many as 700,000 job vacancies in the second quarter were unfilled. The biggest problems were in services, affecting 4.4% of job vacancies. The number of vacancies fell by over 200,000 compared to last year.
On a visit to Berlin, Kenyan President William Ruto offered assistance, emphasising that the signed agreement aims to connect Kenya's young workforce with the German industry.
This agreement can help us to compensate for a shortage of skilled workers. On the other side of the coin, the agreement provides for effective return procedures for those who have come to us from Kenya but do not have or cannot acquire the right to stay here. They can now return home more easily and quickly. – said Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
German experts maintain that the country needs about 400,000 skilled immigrants per year as the workforce is ageing. In Kenya, by contrast, people below the age of 35 make up 80% of the population, around 57 million. Kenya also has one of the best education systems on the continent.
During his stay in Germany, President Ruto will also lead a roundtable discussion with CEOs of some leading German companies. Germany is one of the largest foreign investors in Kenya, and over 100 German companies currently operate in the country.
It is worth noting that in recent days, the German authorities decided to introduce border controls. The decision will be in effect for six months from Monday. Politicians justify it by citing the need to curb illegal migration and safeguard internal security.
