Why some skilled immigrants are leaving Germany | DW News

Summary

Germany faces an aging population and shrinking workforce, necessitating 400,000 skilled immigrants annually. Despite career opportunities, safety, and a robust healthcare system, challenges include bureaucratic hurdles, housing difficulties, and language barriers. Skilled immigrants share their experiences, highlighting the need for better support, reduced bureaucracy, and incentives for learning German to make Germany more attractive for skilled workers.

Takeaways

• 👴 Germany faces a significant demographic challenge with an aging population and a shrinking workforce, necessitating an influx of skilled immigrants.
• 🧑‍💼 The country requires approximately 400,000 skilled immigrants annually to sustain its workforce, indicating a substantial demand for foreign talent.
• 🌍 Despite the need, the reception of immigrants in Germany is mixed, with cultural and bureaucratic factors influencing their integration and satisfaction.
• 🏢 Top reasons for skilled workers to move to Germany include career opportunities, safety, a robust healthcare system, and competitive salaries.
• 🏠 Finding accommodation is a major challenge for newcomers, with many struggling to secure affordable housing within a reasonable timeframe.
• 📚 Language is a significant barrier for immigrants, impacting their ability to access services, integrate into society, and advance in their careers.
• 🏥 Germany has a critical shortage of healthcare workers, with a significant portion of the workforce being non-German, highlighting the importance of foreign workers in this sector.
• 💼 The 'Blue Card' is a valuable visa option for highly skilled workers, offering them greater mobility within the EU and easier access to the job market.
• 💰 While the tax burden and social security contributions are high in Germany, they fund essential services like healthcare and education, which are largely free for residents.
• 🏡 Homeownership rates in Germany are low, with most residents renting, which can be a consideration for immigrants planning for long-term stability.
• 🌱 Some immigrants find the initial integration challenging but eventually adapt and thrive, suggesting that with the right support, Germany can be an attractive destination for skilled workers.

Q & A

What is the current demographic challenge Germany is facing?

Germany is experiencing a rapid aging population, with a shrinking working population as baby boomers retire, leading to a situation where there are now around two workers for every pensioner.

How many skilled immigrants does Germany need annually according to the federal employment agency?

Germany's federal employment agency states that the country requires approximately 400,000 skilled immigrants per year.

What are the top three reasons skilled workers move to Germany?

The top three reasons skilled workers move to Germany are career opportunities, safety, and the good healthcare system.

What challenges do immigrants face when trying to find accommodation in Germany?

Immigrants often struggle to find affordable accommodation, with many experiencing difficulties due to high costs and a competitive housing market, leading to long search periods.

How does the language barrier affect the integration of immigrants in Germany?

The language barrier can make it harder for immigrants to find services, interact with locals, and feel welcomed, as there is an expectation for them to learn German quickly to access services and integrate into society.

What is the Blue Card and why is it significant for skilled workers in Germany?

The Blue Card is a special visa for highly skilled workers, which allows professionals in fields with labor shortages, such as IT experts, engineers, and doctors, to live and work in Germany. It also provides the benefit of easy mobility to most EU countries with a job offer.

Why might some skilled immigrants be unhappy with their financial situation in Germany?

Despite earning an average salary, the high tax burden and Social Security contributions in Germany can result in a lower take-home pay, which might not cover all living expenses, leading to dissatisfaction among some skilled immigrants.

What are some suggestions for improving the experience of skilled immigrants in Germany?

Suggestions include providing better support during the initial years, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, simplifying paperwork, and offering incentives for learning German to make the integration process smoother and more welcoming.

How does the healthcare system in Germany benefit from foreign workers?

Foreign workers play a crucial role in the healthcare sector in Germany, with around one in six healthcare workers not being German, helping to meet the rising demand for healthcare services.

What is the perception of Germany's welcome culture among immigrants as portrayed in the script?

The script portrays a mixed perception of Germany's welcome culture, with some immigrants finding it challenging to adapt due to language barriers, bureaucracy, and a lack of immediate social integration, while others appreciate the opportunities and stability it offers.

Outlines

00:00

👴 Aging Population and Immigration Needs in Germany

Germany is facing a demographic challenge with a rapidly aging population, resulting in a shrinking workforce and an increased need for skilled immigrants. The federal employment agency estimates that the country requires 400,000 skilled immigrants annually to sustain its workforce. Despite the need, the reception of immigrants is a contentious issue. The video features perspectives from skilled workers from India and Turkey, discussing their experiences and the three top reasons why skilled workers choose Germany: career opportunities, safety, and a good healthcare system. The narrative also touches on the complexities of navigating German bureaucracy and the challenges of finding accommodation, which are significant hurdles for newcomers.

05:01

🏥 Healthcare Dependency and Cultural Adjustments

The script highlights Germany's dependency on foreign healthcare workers, with one in six healthcare workers being non-German, and the demand for them is increasing. It contrasts the work culture in Germany, which is characterized by a focus on work with minimal small talk, with the more communicative workplace culture in India. The video explores the challenges of making friends in Germany, which ranks low in social connectivity among 53 countries, and the experiences of discrimination faced by people of color. It also discusses the importance of language in integrating into German society and the feelings of being an outsider that some immigrants encounter.

10:02

🏠 Housing and Financial Realities for Skilled Workers

This section delves into the housing market in Germany, where over half of the population rents, making it difficult for skilled workers to finance home purchases. It presents personal stories of immigrants who have successfully navigated the job market with the help of a Blue Card, a special visa for highly skilled workers that allows for easier movement within the EU. The narrative also addresses the financial challenges faced by skilled immigrants, with high taxes and social security contributions affecting their take-home pay. The video contrasts the experiences of those who find Germany welcoming with those who feel alienated, often due to language barriers and cultural differences.

15:06

🌐 Global Mobility and Integration Strategies

The final paragraph discusses the benefits of the Blue Card for global mobility and the decision of some skilled workers to remain in Germany or move to other countries within the EU for better opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of language proficiency in integrating into German society and the financial and social support that is necessary for immigrants to thrive. The video concludes with suggestions for Germany to improve its attractiveness to skilled immigrants, such as reducing bureaucracy, providing better initial support, and incentivizing language learning. It invites viewers to share their thoughts on Germany's attractiveness to skilled immigrants.

Keywords

💡Aging Population

An aging population refers to a demographic trend where the median age of a population increases, due to longer life expectancies and lower birth rates. In the context of the video, Germany is facing an aging population crisis, which is causing a shrinking workforce and an increased need for pension support. The script mentions that there are 'around two workers for every pensioner,' highlighting the urgency of the situation.

💡Skilled Immigrants

Skilled immigrants are individuals who possess specialized skills, education, or work experience that are in demand in the host country. The video emphasizes Germany's need for '400,000 skilled immigrants a year' to address its labor shortage. Skilled immigrants are seen as a potential solution to the challenges posed by the aging population and workforce shrinkage.

💡Workforce

The workforce comprises individuals who are employed or are actively seeking employment. The video discusses the shrinking workforce in Germany, which is a direct consequence of the aging population. The term is used to illustrate the economic implications of demographic changes, such as the need for more workers to support the growing number of retirees.

💡Baby Boomers

Baby boomers are the demographic cohort following the World War II baby boom, typically born between 1946 and 1964. The video mentions 'hundreds of thousands of baby boomers' entering retirement, contributing to the aging population and the strain on the workforce and social security systems.

💡Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy refers to the complex administrative system of a government or organization. In the video, bureaucracy is highlighted as a challenge for immigrants in Germany, with 'a lot of paperwork' and rigid appointment systems that can be 'quite annoying.' The term is used to critique the difficulties faced by skilled workers in navigating the immigration and settlement process.

💡Language Barrier

A language barrier is an obstacle to communication caused by differences in languages. The script discusses how the language barrier makes it 'even harder' for foreigners to find accommodation and integrate into German society. It is a significant factor affecting the experience of skilled immigrants in Germany.

💡Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers are professionals engaged in providing healthcare services. The video points out that 'around one in six healthcare workers isn't German,' indicating the reliance on foreign workers in the healthcare sector. The need for these workers is 'rising by the year,' underscoring the importance of immigration in maintaining healthcare services.

💡Blue Card

The Blue Card is a work permit issued by the European Union to highly skilled non-EU citizens. The video mentions that 'IT experts can get a Blue Card even without a University degree,' highlighting the recognition of specialized skills and the ease of mobility it offers within EU countries for qualified professionals.

💡Discrimination

Discrimination refers to unfair treatment based on certain characteristics such as race, color, or nationality. The video addresses the issue of discrimination in Germany, noting that 'three out of five blacks and other people of color' have experienced racism. This keyword is crucial in understanding the social challenges faced by immigrants and the need for a more inclusive society.

💡Tax Burden

Tax burden refers to the total amount of tax revenue collected by the government relative to the economy's total income. The video discusses the high tax burden and Social Security contributions in Germany, which can affect the take-home pay of skilled immigrants. Understanding the tax system is important for immigrants to manage their financial expectations and plan their budgets.

💡Home Ownership

Home ownership is the state of owning a home or property. The video notes that Germany has 'the lowest home ownership rate in the EU,' with more than half of the people being renters. This reflects the housing market dynamics and the challenges faced by immigrants in securing long-term accommodation.

Highlights

Germany faces a demographic challenge with a rapidly aging population and a shrinking workforce.

The country requires 400,000 skilled immigrants annually to address labor shortages.

Skilled immigrants are attracted to Germany for career opportunities, safety, and a robust healthcare system.

Despite the need, Germany's bureaucracy presents a significant hurdle for immigrants.

Finding affordable accommodation is a common struggle for newcomers.

Language barriers can exacerbate difficulties in integrating into German society.

Germany's work culture, which values focus and minimal small talk, can be a shock for immigrants.

The healthcare sector is particularly reliant on foreign workers, with one in six healthcare workers being non-German.

Discrimination is a significant issue, with many people of color experiencing racism.

The Blue Card offers a pathway for highly skilled workers to live and work in Germany and the EU.

High taxes and social security contributions in Germany can impact immigrants' financial satisfaction.

Despite challenges, many immigrants appreciate Germany's safety, equality, and sense of order.

The Netherlands is seen as a more welcoming alternative for some skilled workers.

Germany's high cost of living and housing can be a deterrent for potential immigrants.

Education is a significant factor for families considering long-term residence in Germany.

Suggestions for Germany include better support for immigrants, reduced bureaucracy, and incentives for learning German.

Transcripts

Germany has a huge problem its

population is aging fast they're now

around two workers for every pensioner

the working population is shrinking as

hundreds of thousands of baby boomers go

into

retirement Germany's federal employment

agency says the country needs 400,000

skilled immigrants a year in Germany we

need skilled Workforce we need

additionally um skilled Workforce from

abroad but whether immigrants f welcome

is a whole other

[Applause]

[Music]

question H so is Germany attractive

enough for skilled

immigrants in India when I used to work

I was almost busy I had a lot of like

say like work from office so there was

not enough time for me

I can move to Netherlands and still keep

the position I have I will be very close

to Germany so uh whenever I'm needed in

the headquarters it's just a couple of

hours away now before we hear more from

panach taiza and ozan here are the three

top reasons why skilled workers move to

Germany

career opportunities they want to gain

experience or get ahead number two

safety and rounding out the top three

The Good Health Care System Believe It

or Not salaries are in fourth place

other reasons include its democracy good

education system and clean

air my name is chaponda and I've been

living in Germany for the last 17 years

so I'm curious about what other skilled

immigrants make of this country I'm

bankage from India uh I came here 2 and

a half years ago with my family I work

in IT industry and I'm planning to stay

here longer and apply for the

citizenship I'm I came to Germany 3

years ago from Turkey I work as a

business developer now I'm planning to

leave

Germany three people three stories

making it in Germany isn't a walk in the

park for one just finding a One-Stop

shop to help you navigate the

immigration rules is a challenge we

struggle to find one right Marta yes

it's very

confusing German bureaucracy is a lot of

paperwork and if you miss out on

something uh let's say if you get late

to your appointment even for 5 minutes

you will miss that appointment it's

quite you know Annoying to to get the

things done you need to wait for 3 weeks

or 4 weeks and you just have to wait you

cannot do anything you cannot simply you

cannot do anything in that case so yeah

you have to

wait wow when I moved to Germany in 2007

I didn't have to wait too long many

things seemed

easier it was quite difficult to to get

an apartment in the very beginning I

came with my family so I was looking for

an apartment which suits our family

[Music]

over half the people looking for a new

home have been searching for more than a

year and most of them say they can't

find accommodation because what's an

offer is just too expensive so for

panage it was a catch 22 you need to

show proof that you have a registed

address to be able to access government

services and you can only get that from

your property owner Airbnb Hotel don't

count because they are considered

commercial

accommodations I was getting a lot of

letters from the school because it is

mandatory for a children who is more

than 6-year-old to go to the school as I

was not having a home so where could I

send him so I was just trying to find

out an apartment and I was not finding

an apartment and I was getting a letter

from the school again and

again Pan's employer rented an apartment

for him but not everyone is so lucky I

have my colleague uh she was trying to

find an apartment she's a German but she

could also not find the apartment so

it's not like for Foreigner it's for

everyone but for many foreigners the

language barrier makes it even

harder I don't find it very welcoming

when you object or refuse to give

service in any other language it's not

only a language barrier but it's like an

imposition like they impose this to you

and I I'm really having difficulty to

understand this actually so much for

Germany's so-called welcome culture will

Commons

go do you speak German to Italian

colleagues or French

colleagues the first thing I look when

I'm buying a service is if they offer a

foreign language with their services

that's the first thing I look at it's

not because I don't want to learn

German people are expecting you to be at

their level with their language and from

day one to two

suddenly you switch and you become one

of them it's not that simple

[Music]

[Music]

but Germany desperately needs nurses

around one in six healthcare workers

isn't German and the need for them is

Rising by the year if it weren't for its

foreign workers Tia's Hospital would

have to reduce its bed capacity by a

third

yeah when I came here it was quite

shocking because in India we used to

talk a lot even though in workplaces

also we we chitchat a lot we talk a lot

but in in Germany I noticed

like the when they work they work so

there is there is not much let's say

like people do not talk much so it was

very difficult to you know to get into

the system to get to talk to the people

well Germans aren't known for small talk

and I wouldn't recommend dropping in on

anyone unannounced either

[Music]

when I first moved here of course my

expectation was to make a big leap in my

life I thought I would be more in the

center but then I felt more outside

actually so of course it leaves you a

feeling of a dissatisfaction and

frustration among 53 countries Germany

ranks fifth from the bottom when it

comes to making friends my tip lower

your expectations when it comes to

making friends fast in Germany

with the community here it was a lot

easier they would show me things they

would give me suggestions even during a

small talk they would say yeah have you

tried this one have you heard about

this not necessarily I would prefer to

connect with these people just because

they could speak my uh mother tongue but

I find it quite relaxing and refreshing

actually finding a place in German

society looks different for everyone and

a lot has to do with language

yeah

braan but sometimes TAA is made to feel

like an

outsider discrimination is a major

problem statistics show that three out

of five blacks and other people of color

living in Germany have already experien

racism

here I should know and it makes Germany

less attractive despite the fact that

companies desperately need skilled

workers after 1 and a half year I was

looking for uh some uh senior kind of

role as

well so then I started looking for a

change and I got an opportunity which is

uh like permanent remote now at the same

time my wife needs to know the language

first without knowing the language it's

very difficult for her to get a

role and to learn the language she needs

to go in the morning like four or 5

hours

classes I wanted to go forward with the

language first and then I will pursue my

uh it course from The Institute and then

I will uh continue with the job in it

field I can stay at home and work and

can let's say drop the children in the

morning to the kinder Garden out of the

school for me it's it's it's good

yeah for years Germany has had a hot job

market for it experts and panage was

able to easily switch jobs because he

has a blue card that's a special visa

for highly skilled workers Engineers

doctors nurses teachers scientists and

it experts are among the professions

with a severe labor shortage that

qualify and it experts can get a blue

card even without a University

degree once a person has a blue card

they can move easily to most EU

countries as long as they have a job

offer Europe needs

workers with the blue card the mobility

is not a problem I will just transfer my

blue card to Netherlands and plus they

have some advantages too for uh I think

they call us expats I'm planning to

enjoy those uh additional um addition

what additional

offerings Germany was a good choice for

the time

being it is safe you are treated equal

as long as you speak the language you

have purchasing power you have the sense

of security it's quiet it's orderly

where I'm coming from it's quite chaotic

I really needed this and sometimes when

I'm back to Turkey I find myself oh my

God I missed home and by home I mean

Haner

[Music]

TAA is turning a hobby into a side

Hustle

for

end for me as from

[Music]

from and it's not just about support at

the beginning immigrants need to

understand how salaries are

taxed a nurse will earn

3,433 on average and if they don't have

children

€17 goes to income tax and € 723 to

Social Security the tax burden and

Social Security reactions are high so

their take-home pay will be €

2,293 and from that they'll need to

cover rent groceries and clothes and

other expenses

too this could be a reason why two out

of five skilled immigrants in Germany

are somewhat or very unhappy with their

financial situation and yet Healthcare

and education are practically free here

that's largely thanks to the high taxes

and Social Security deductions but other

countries like the Netherlands have

lower taxes for

expat the reason why I'm choosing now

Netherlands is that it's open for

foreigners and not only rdam but all

around Netherlands it really feels like

it is more welcoming I just want to also

underline that this is not open to

immigrants but when you have a privilege

like a blue card or if you are a skilled

employee it's easier for you to start a

life in this kind of countries I know my

privileges and I know these privileges

are more beneficial here I'm even

planning on buying a new

[Music]

apartment Germany has the lowest home

ownership rate in the EU more than half

of the people are renters because it is

much harder to finance a home purchase

entirely through a bank loan for the

time being my plan is to stay in

Rotterdam three out of five single

people who want to move to Germany plan

to stay permanently for those with

families it is three out of four maybe

because education is free

here my children at least I want them to

you know complete the school here and

the university

[Music]

here here

Ina the keyword for Rotterdam is

accessible the connectedness feeling is

my biggest expectation here wait you

don't have it

so is Germany attractive enough for

skilled immigrants well I'm applying for

German citizenship but having gone

through some of the challenges that oan

taiza and panage have mentioned I have a

couple of suggestions for

Germany one provide better support to

Skilled immigrants during their first

few years in the country two reduce

bureaucracy simplify the paperwork like

tax declarations for instance three

reward skilled immigrants who choose to

learn German no should feel like they're

losing time or money when investing in

the one language that would make their

lives easier

here so how attractive do you think

Germany is for skilled immigrants we

want to hear from you in the comments

[Music]