Germany and Kenya sign agreement to bring in skilled workers

On September 13, 2024, news from Berlin. German and Kenyan officials signed an agreement in Berlin aimed at facilitating the recruitment of Kenyan skilled workers who can fill gaps in the German labor market and facilitating the return of Kenyans who have no right to stay in Germany. The agreement was signed during Kenyan President William Ruto's visit to Germany. Ruto met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Scholz said this is an important agreement, marking closer cooperation between the two countries on migration issues. He pointed out that the shortage of labor in Germany will continue. This agreement can help make up for the shortage of skilled workers and provide an effective return procedure for those who have no right to stay in Germany. Ruto said the agreement is beneficial to both sides and combines the potential of young Kenyans with Germany's technical resources. He is not worried that the departure of Kenyans will damage his country's development and emphasizes that there are many young people in Kenya. Scholz said Germany will benefit from Kenyan information technology experts.

Germany has signed similar agreements with India, Georgia and Morocco. A new agreement will be signed during Scholz's visit to Uzbekistan this weekend. On Friday, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi signed the agreement at the chancellery, witnessed by Scholz and Ruto. Scholz's coalition government is facing challenges from the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party. The next challenge will come in Brandenburg on September 22.