European Interest

Germany needs 260,000 migrants a year

Flickr/astrid westvang/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The study estimated that 114,000 people would immigrate from other EU countries.

Germany will need 146,000 workers per year from non-EU countries in order to fill labour shortages caused by demographic decline, according to the findings of a new study published on February 12.

Germany needs at least 260,000 new migrant workers per year until 2060 in order to meet labour shortages caused by demographic decline, according to a study published on Tuesday.

The research published by the Bertelsmann Foundation said that of that number, 146,000 people each year would need to immigrate from non-EU member states.

As reported by Deutsche Welle (DW) Germany’s international broadcaster, the researchers assume that the birth rate is rising, more women are working and that the pension age is increased to 70.

The study estimated that 114,000 people would immigrate from other EU countries, but that demographic factors and economic convergence within the 28-member bloc would reduce the incentive for workers to settle and work in Germany.

The study was conducted by the Institute for Employment Research and the University of Coburg.

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