Germany signs agreement with Kenya to bring in skilled workers and plug labor market gaps
German and Kenyan officials have signed an agreement to promote the recruitment of skilled Kenyan workers who can fill gaps in Germany’s labor market, and to facilitate the repatriation of Kenyans who don’t have the right to stay in Germany
BERLIN — German and Kenyan officials signed an agreement Friday in Berlin to promote the recruitment of skilled workers who can fill gaps in Germany's labor market, and to facilitate the repatriation of Kenyans who don't have the right to stay in Germany.
The agreement was signed during a visit to Germany by Kenyan President William Ruto, who met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Scholz told reporters after a signing ceremony that it was an important agreement that marks an effort by Germany and Kenya to cooperate more closely on migration.
“This can help us to compensate for a shortage of skilled workers,” Scholz said, adding that Germany is already feeling the impact of such a labor shortage and that it “will be with us for years and decades to come.”
Germany has grappled for years with the need to attract more skilled workers from outside the European Union. Experts say the country needs about 400,000 skilled immigrants each year as its aging workforce shrinks.
“On the other side of the coin, so to speak, the agreement provides for effective return procedures for those who have come to us from Kenya but do not have or cannot acquire the right to stay here. They can now return home more easily and quickly,” Scholz said.
Ruto said the agreement benefits both sides because it brings together the potential of educated young Kenyans and German technology and resources.
Germany has already signed similar agreements with India, Georgia and Morocco, and will sign one this weekend with
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