| Abstract: |
Germany will have an increasing need of qualified staff across regions and
economical sectors. Not only does this concern highly qualified of so-called
MINT-professions (mathematics, IT, natural sciences and technology), but
expands to qualified laborers of the health business and the arts and crafts
sector. This demand cannot be met through the employment of jobless people
from within the country, as the demographic change of a shrinking and ageing
population works against it. Societal responsibility thus demands to attract
qualified laborers as immigrants. In order to improve Germany’s image as a
country of immigration for qualified staff, so-called soft-criteria should be
strengthened aside hard facts, like income or employment opportunities. Such a
policy actively needs to communicate to migrants that they and their family
members are welcome to stay for good. Such an approach has recently been
discussed as “Willkommenskultur” (“culture of welcoming”). It signals a change
of paradigm in German immigration policy. A policy of „Willkommenskultur“ does
not yet exist in Germany, at least it has not yet reached a satisfying level
to be recognized and accepted as such by potential immigrants. Based on the
theoretical conception of the Institutional Economy, approaches of a political
change and its implementation are outlined. Those changes would imply
governmental, societal and micro-economical shifts and changes. |