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CDU leader Merz: “Specialists are in demand above all, from research to nursing”
Photo: Michael Kappeler / dpa
CDU leader Friedrich Merz insists on speeding up the repatriation of migrants who are required to leave the country.
There are currently around 300,000 people in Germany who are obliged to leave the country, Merz told the "Rheinische Post".
»The federal government has promised the citizens a repatriation offensive.
That doesn't exist yet.«
The head of the opposition linked the timely implementation of the repatriations to the general acceptance of immigrants "that we need".
This will only be maintained if both are done: targeted immigration into the labor market and the repatriation of those who have no prospects in Germany.
With the statements, Merz is reacting to the reform of immigration law presented by the traffic light coalition the day before.
The proposed law, which is intended to regulate, among other things, the “skilled worker immigration from third countries”, envisages lowering the hurdles for immigration from non-EU countries.
In this way, Germany should be made more attractive for skilled workers.
The CDU leader is now calling for more people to be taken out of the country who would have no prospects in Germany.
The coalition agreement between the SPD, Greens and FDP states: »Not everyone who comes to us can stay.
We are launching a repatriation offensive in order to implement departures more consistently, in particular the deportation of criminals and those who are dangerous.«
Returns, i.e. mostly deportations, often fail due to practical obstacles, such as missing identity papers.
There is also often a lack of cooperation between the countries of origin or there is a freeze on deportations – for example in Syria or Afghanistan.
In 2021, almost 165,000 asylum seekers were registered and 11,982 people were deported.
Merz sees Germany as an immigration country
Germany has long been an immigration country, said Merz, "and we need a lot of people who want to work with us," said the Union faction leader.
»There is a particular demand for skilled workers, from research to nursing.«
The draft law presented by the federal government is intended in particular to simplify the rules for entry and the recognition of professional qualifications.
In addition, the planned »opportunity right of residence« should offer a perspective to well-integrated foreigners who have been living in Germany for years without a secure status.
The previous “chain tolerations” are to be ended.
The Bundestag is debating the plans of Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) on Thursday.
fek/dpa
