Germany faces economic slump, seeks skilled migrants amid asylum controversy

Germany's economy has stagnated for five years due to high energy costs from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, increased competition from China, and a shortage of skilled workers. The country is struggling to transition from reliance on Russian gas after supply cuts, leading to soaring energy prices for industrial sectors. In response to a growing labor shortage, Germany is actively seeking highly skilled migrant workers, particularly in IT and healthcare, as highlighted by a recent OECD report. However, political tensions around immigration, particularly leading up to elections, may complicate efforts to attract foreign talent. With conservative parties advocating for stricter immigration policies, there are concerns that potential migrants may reconsider moving to Germany. Experts estimate that Germany requires up to 1.6 million new migrants by 2029 to sustain its economy and fill critical job roles.