Germany signs labour deal with Kenya, Ruto says agreement benefits both sides
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The governments of Germany and Kenya on Friday (Sep13) signed an agreement in Berlinto promote the recruitment of skilled workers who can fill gaps in Germany’s labour market.
A report by the news agency AFP said that the deal would also facilitate therepatriation of Kenyans who don’t have the right to stay in Germany.The agreement was signed by Kenyan President William Ruto during a visit to Germany.Ruto also met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
An important agreement: Olaf Scholz
Following the signing ceremony (of the labour agreement), German Chancellor Scholz told reporters that this was an important deal that marked an effort by Berlin and Nairobito cooperate more closely on migration.
“This can help us to compensate for a shortage of skilled workers,” Chancellor Scholz said, addingthat Germany was already feeling the impact of such a labour shortage and that it “will be with us for years and decades to come.”
“On the other side of the coin, so to speak, the agreement provides for effective return procedures for those who have come to us from Kenya but do not have or cannot acquire the right to stay here. They can now return home more easily and quickly,” he further told reporters.
Ruto reacts to the agreement: Benefits both sides
Kenyan President Ruto said the agreement benefits both sides because it brings together the potential of educated young Kenyans and German technology and resources.
Ruto pointed out that hewasn’t worried that the departure of some Kenyans could hurt his own nation’s development, noting that Kenya has a large population of young people, with the median age being around 20.
He addedthere were enough to support the further development of both Kenya and Germany.
The shortage of skilled workers in Germany
For years, Germany has grappledwith the need to attract more skilled workers from outside the European Union. Citing experts, the Associated Press report said that the countryneeds about 400,000 skilled immigrants each year as its ageing workforce shrinks.
Scholz said that with this labour deal,Germany would benefit from the large number of Kenyan IT specialists.
Germany has already signed similar agreements with India, Georgia and Morocco, and will sign one this weekend with Uzbekistan during a visit there by Scholz.
(With inputs from agencies)