According to the special regulation for airport staff, the federal government is also planning a simplified immigration of workers from abroad for the hospitality industry. “The labor shortage has become much worse as a result of the pandemic,” said Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser in an interview with the German Press Agency.
There is a massive shortage of workers and skilled workers in air transport, as well as in the catering and hotel sectors. “Federal Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil and I know that we have to make things easier for foreign workers there.” Together with Heil (SPD), she will therefore propose changes this year “to bring good workers to Germany”.
Criticism of the plans came from the Union. “The federal government makes it too easy for itself when it unilaterally relies on immigration from non-EU countries to solve the shortage of workers and skilled workers,” said parliamentary group leader Andrea Lindholz (CSU). Rather, what is needed would be a comprehensive concept that also “includes the better use of potential at home and in other EU countries”.
The rules for the immigration of skilled workers are already liberal. It is possible for workers to immigrate from the Western Balkans without special qualifications. Germany must do more to promote the use of these existing opportunities abroad.
Due to momentous bottlenecks at German airports, the federal government promised quick regulations on Wednesday so that the operators could temporarily hire staff more easily. The workforce that is lacking in baggage handling, among other things, is to be recruited primarily in Turkey.
In order to increase Germany’s attractiveness for skilled workers, “a lot of homework needs to be done,” added Faeser. “We need faster recognition of professional qualifications and less bureaucracy,” said the SPD politician. Together with Heil and Minister of Education Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP), she is working intensively on it.
