Germany’s New Immigration Policies
The victory of far-right extremists in state elections in eastern Germany was accompanied by the rise of anti-immigrant rhetoric.
We previously reported that even a faction of German leftists has gained new popularity in certain regions of Germany by relying on this approach. Terrorist events and crimes committed by immigrants, which we had reported on earlier, have changed Germany’s political climate, and Olaf Scholz’s government has turned to new policies to manage discontent.
By announcing changes to border control procedures with its neighbors, Germany has embarked on an unprecedented process that includes preventing the entry of individuals described as unusual immigrants.
This move has been unpleasant for Germany’s neighboring countries, and these countries have publicly expressed their anger over Germany’s new border policies in significant instances.
However, it should be noted that the new policies of the Scholz government do not represent a significant change at the borders and are only designed to control the land entry of waves of immigrants.
Anti-immigrants and extremists on one hand, and immigrants committing various crimes and terrorist attacks on the other, have made the German government’s work extremely difficult. This is in a situation where, beyond the noise of anti-immigrants and racists, Germany is facing a real dilemma that is not about immigrants but rather the need for efficient immigrants.
Germany’s population decline crisis is a serious issue, and the country’s industries and businesses need a workforce. The president of Germany’s central bank is among the figures who, while trying to maintain political neutrality, has openly expressed concern about the negative impact of anti-immigrants and extremists on attracting professional and efficient workers from abroad.
Germany’s central bank has warned that even with the current migration trend and the level of professional workforce among incoming immigrants, by 2026, for the first time, due to the retirement trend and aging population, Germany’s workforce will decline. Therefore, it is necessary to simultaneously consider attracting a workforce and combating anti-immigrants and criminal and terrorist immigrants.
The German government has reached a new approach to attracting a workforce. It is negotiating with various countries to return undesirable immigrants and attract professional workers. Agreements have been signed with the governments of Uzbekistan and Kenya. The new agreement with Uzbekistan, which includes the return of a group of immigrants, also involves attracting specific groups of workers desired by Germany. In this context, flights to return Afghan immigrants, mediated by Qatar, have begun and, after a short pause, have resumed.
The new agreement between Germany and Kenya is also noteworthy. German government experts have identified specific areas where new workers are needed, and 250,000 people will go to Germany in the agreed timeframe with Kenya after their qualifications and efficiency are confirmed. Various jobs have already been assigned to Kenyans in this context.