The German labor market would have collapsed long ago without workers from third countries. In 2023, people from outside the European Union were the largest group of those who took a job in Germany.
The background is simply demographics. The baby boomers are starting to retire. And for those who already live in Germany - whether as natives or immigrants - and do not currently have a job, the search becomes more difficult. Many apprenticeships offered by companies cannot be filled. At the same time, 18,000 training positions still unfilled.