A proposal by German politician Friedrich Merz to allow more skilled workers from abroad has sparked heated debate. The plan, which aims to address labor shortages in key industries, has been met with criticism from experts who warn it could lead to a "national delusion."
Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), proposed a points-based immigration system to attract skilled workers from non-EU countries. Under the plan, applicants would be assessed based on factors such as education, work experience, and language skills. Those who score a certain number of points would be eligible for a work permit and a path to permanent residence.
The German government has cautiously welcomed Merz's proposal. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that it is "important to attract skilled workers from third countries to meet the challenges of demographic change." However, she stressed that any new immigration system must be "orderly and controlled."
Despite the government's cautious optimism, experts have raised concerns about Merz's proposal. Dr. Gerald Knaus, director of the European Stability Initiative, argues that it is based on a "national delusion." He warns that the plan could lead to a "race to the bottom" in labor standards as employers seek to hire cheaper workers from abroad.
Knaus also points to the fact that Germany already has a relatively high level of immigration. In 2021, over 1.6 million people moved to Germany, making it the third-largest recipient of immigrants in the OECD. He argues that the focus should be on integrating existing immigrants into the labor market rather than relying on new arrivals.
Business leaders have expressed support for Merz's proposal. The Federation of German Industries (BDI) argues that the plan is necessary to address the acute shortage of skilled workers in sectors such as engineering, manufacturing, and IT. The BDI claims that the German economy is losing out on billions of euros due to the lack of qualified personnel.
Merz's proposal has sparked a debate within the German political landscape. The opposition Greens and Left parties have rejected the plan, arguing that it could lead to exploitation of foreign workers and put downward pressure on wages. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has a strong anti-immigration stance, has also denounced the proposal.
Germany is not the only country struggling with labor shortages. Many other developed countries, including the United States and Canada, have adopted points-based immigration systems to attract skilled workers. These systems have had mixed results. While they can help to address labor shortages, they can also lead to exploitation and a brain drain from developing countries.
The Merz migration proposal is a complex and controversial issue that raises important questions about the future of immigration in Germany. While addressing labor shortages is a legitimate concern, it is essential to avoid a "national delusion" that could lead to negative consequences. A balanced and evidence-based approach that takes into account the interests of both businesses and workers is necessary.
The debate over Merz's proposal is likely to continue, reflecting the broader challenges and opportunities that Germany faces in managing migration in the 21st century.
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