Germany's new immigration policies present unique opportunity for Indians
Philipp Ackermann, sees a silver lining—an increasing focus on attracting skilled professionals from India. In a candid conversation at a TOI editors' roundtable, Ackermann highlighted how Germany's changing immigration laws present a unique opportunity for Indian workers, especially in sectors facing labor shortages.
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«Germany is in urgent need of skilled labour,» Ackermann said, emphasising the urgency of filling positions in industries ranging from engineering to digital solutions. «We have changed our laws and I'd say Germany arguably has the most liberal immigration laws now. And that is a big difference between Germany and most other Western countries, including the US. We have one big disadvantage: language,» he said.
However, Ackermann said he believes they have a certain advantage compared to other countries, which could result in a growth of the Indian community in Germany.
Germany's shift towards more welcoming immigration policies comes as the country seeks to overcome its labor market challenges. Ackermann shared that India is expected to be a key partner in addressing this gap. Currently, around 260,000 Indians live in Germany, and that number is poised to rise significantly in the coming years. «We have good cooperation not just with the central government but also state governments,» he explained,
