New Migration Policies in Germany
The victory of far-right extremists in state elections in eastern Germany was accompanied by a rise in anti-immigrant discourse.
We have previously reported that even some German left-wing groups have gained popularity in certain areas of Germany by relying on the same approach. Terrorist events and crimes committed by immigrants that we have reported on before have changed Germany’s political atmosphere, leading the Olaf Scholz government to turn to new policies to curb dissatisfaction.
By announcing a change in the country’s border control trend with its neighbors, Germany has initiated an unprecedented trend that includes preventing the entry of individuals described as unusual migrants.
This move has been unwelcome for Germany’s neighboring countries, and these countries have openly expressed their anger at Germany’s new border policies in important matters.
However, it should be noted that the new policies of the Scholz government do not signify a significant change in borders and are only designed to control the influx of migrants by land.
Anti-immigrant and extremist groups on one side, and immigrants who commit various crimes and terrorist attacks on the other side, have severely complicated the government’s work in Germany. This is happening while beyond the noise of anti-immigrant and racist groups, Germany is actually facing a real problem that requires not fewer immigrants but the need for efficient immigrants.
The crisis of population decline in Germany is a serious issue, and German industries and businesses need labor. The head of the central bank of Germany is one of the figures who, by striving to maintain political neutrality, has explicitly expressed concerns about the negative impact of anti-immigrant and extremist groups on attracting skilled and efficient workforce from abroad.
The central bank of Germany has warned that even with the current migration trend and the level of skilled labor among incoming immigrants, by 2026, for the first time, due to the retirement trend and aging population, Germany’s workforce will decrease. Therefore, there is a need to think simultaneously about attracting labor and combating anti-immigrant sentiments, criminal immigrants, and terrorists.
Germany has adopted a new approach to attract labor. The government is negotiating with various countries to repatriate undesirable migrants and attract skilled labor. Agreements have been signed with Uzbekistan and Kenya. The new agreement with Uzbekistan includes repatriating a group of migrants and also includes attracting specific groups of workers desired by Germany. Flights to repatriate Afghan migrants have started with the mediation of Qatar and have resumed after a short pause.
Germany’s new agreement with Kenya is also noteworthy. German experts have identified specific areas where new workers are needed, and 250,000 individuals will go to Germany in the agreed period after confirming their qualifications and efficiency. Various jobs have already been assigned to Kenyans in this regard.
