Germany Labour Shortage Stands at 7 Million in 2024: Explore Complete Details

As per the latest report by Schengen News, Germany’s labour shortage is at an all-time high and the country is planning to fill the vacancies by hiring Indian workers to tackle the shortage. The labour shortage in Germany is estimated at 7 million nationally. Let’s take a look at this article to better understand how Germany is relying on India to fill the labour force.

Germany Labour Shortage Stands at 7 Million

The skilled labour shortage in Germany stands at an all-time high. The labour minister Hubertus Heil stated that 'Germany wants to hire a high number of skilled workers from India.' The minister further emphasized by stating “bright minds and helping hands” are welcomed in Germany. The labor minister also stated that currently, Germany will need 7 million workers by 2035

Also Read: Germany Opportunity Card 2024: A Pathway for Skilled Workers

In-Demand Jobs in Germany

The sectors most impacted and which are in-demand jobs in Germany are transportation, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, engineering, and IT. The shortage spans over multiple sectors in each of these. Let’s take a look at them in-detail

1. Transportation: Germany needs logistics managers, truck drivers, and warehouse operators to support its extensive transportation network.

2. Manufacturing: There is a strong demand for skilled workers in manufacturing, including machinists, production supervisors, and assembly line experts.

3. Construction: The construction sector is seeking professionals for construction management and skilled trades, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters.

4. Healthcare: High demand exists for a variety of healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, specialist physicians, nurses, midwives, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other related roles.

5. Engineering: The engineering field is in need of mechanical, electrical, civil, industrial, chemical, and mining engineers.

6. IT: The IT sector requires software developers, system analysts, and network specialists to meet the growing digital demands.

Germany Labour Shortage List

The most recent EURES report on labor shortages and surpluses highlights that Germany is experiencing a shortage of workers in more than 70 occupations. In the table below, you can see which jobs are facing severe labor shortages in Germany

Germany Attracts Indian Graduates to Fill Skilled Labour Gaps

India has the largest group of international students in Germany comprising of 43,000. Referring to this Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, president of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), during a press briefing in New Delhi stated: “To address the growing shortage of workers in the German labor market, it is crucial to make the German labor market attractive to Indian students after they complete their educational degrees.”

Factors Contributing to Labour Shortage in Germany

There are several factors contributing to the labour shortage in Germany, including demographic change and economic growth, where Germany outranks Japan and is the third largest economy worldwide.

• Demographic Changes: An aging population with more retirees than new workforce entrants
• Declining Birth Rates: Long-term decrease in birth rates, leading to fewer young workers.
• Education and Training Gaps: Mismatches between job seekers' skills and employers' needs, especially in emerging industries and high-tech sectors
• Rapid Economic Growth: Increased demand for skilled workers in manufacturing, engineering, and IT sectors, often outpacing supply
• Geographic Disparities: More severe shortages in rural areas compared to urban centers
• International Competition: Germany competes with countries like the United States and Canada to attract skilled immigrant

Move to Germany with Germany Opportunity Card

The labour shortage in Germany, standing at 7 million, presents both a great opportunity for Indian workers. For those seeking to explore opportunities in Germany, GetGIS offers a valuable solution with the Germany Opportunity Card. This alternative to the Germany Job Seeker Visa allows individuals to stay and work in Germany for up to one year while searching for job opportunities. Book Your Free Consultation