German Search for non-EU Skilled Migrants Nets Just 170

A German program to attract specially qualified workers from non-EU countries has netted just 170 successful candidates in its first year, official data showed Monday, sparking complaints from an employers group.

The group cited a number of obstacles to recruitment including difficulty in learning German; hurdles to the acceptance of foreign qualifications; inadequate marketing of the program; and shortcomings in Germany's drive to welcome foreigners.

Europe's biggest economy, with a low birth rate and ageing population, has sought to attract specialized workers to fill labor market gaps, from multi-skilled engineers to plumbers and geriatric nurse.

The offer, designed to draw workers from as far afield as Russia, Thailand and South Africa, was meant to help companies facing acute shortages of qualified applicants by getting rid of red tape.

However, since the program was launched in June last year, just 170 candidates have qualified, according to Federal Employment Agency figures.

The Federation of German Employers' Associations said that the effort fell far short of fulfilling current needs.

"Especially jobs that require dual (workplace and academic) training -- such as in the metal and electronics industries or in elderly care -- there is still often a lack of qualified professionals," it said.

The group blamed a lack of German language skills and problems with measuring foreign qualifications, but it also urged the government to "do more for the establishment of a genuine culture of welcoming" people from abroad.