Germany is facing an acute labor crisis and is looking to Indian students to fill a critical gap that could otherwise cripple its industries. Germany recently introduced a law to double working hours for international students, with Indians being the largest group.

According to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office, there are about 43,000 Indian students in German universities. Germany has seen a 26% increase in Indian students in the country for the winter session of 2022-23.

Considered the economic engine of Europe, Germany has seen 20 years of solid growth but is now faltering. All due to labor difficulties.

Germany had about 700,000 vacancies across all sectors and its economic growth potential had fallen to 0.7% from about 2% in the 1980s and could fall to 0.5% if it fails to address the problem, German Economy Minister Robert Haebeck said in February. was

As German society ages, official estimates suggest the country will have a shortage of seven million skilled workers by 2035.

That is why Germany is now looking to international students, especially Indian students, to boost its industries.

Germany has increased the working hours of international students

Germany recently passed the Skilled Immigration Act, which doubles the amount of time international students are allowed to work 20 hours a week.

“By providing opportunities to international students, the state aims not only to attract skilled individuals but also to cultivate a talent pipeline for the workforce,” Enzo Weber, an employment research expert at the University of Regensburg, told German media outlet Deutsche Welle. DW).

DW quoted several Indian students who were excited by the idea of ​​working while studying in Germany.

“If you have the right skills and certification, with a decent salary, life becomes easier. Also, there are options for permanent residency,” said Suryansh, an Indian student at TU Dresden.

Mohammad Rehman Khan, another student from India, said that tech and programming related roles are in significant demand in Germany compared to other fields. Khan, 26, studies mechatronics and robotics at Leibniz University Hannover.

Skilled labor shortages in the hospitality, healthcare, IT and engineering sectors are acute.

Germany eyeing Indian students for industry

At 43,000, Indian students constituted the largest number of international students in Germany, Joybrato Mukherjee, president of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), said in New Delhi in March.

“It is important to make the German labor market attractive to Indian students after obtaining their academic degrees to bridge the growing gap of skilled workers in the German labor market,” Joybrato Mukherjee said.

About 60% of Indian students enrolled in German universities study engineering, which suits a European country. Germany is known worldwide for its engineering products.

“Indian students in Germany enroll in IT and engineering courses at an above-average rate, making them an important group for the labor market and to combat the shortage of skilled workers,” DAAD spokesman Michael Fleck told DW.

Rhea Joseph, a 24-year-old PhD student from Kerala at TU Dresden, told DW that the idea of ​​working seamlessly after studies was “promising”. However, she added that much needs to be done on the ground.

As Germany faces a severe labor shortage and looks to international students, it is a golden opportunity for Indians who are looking for post-work experience and those looking for permanent residency in the European country.