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Harz in the labor shortage: Foreigners secure the future of the catering industry!
Goslar in the Harz region is struggling with a labor shortage in tourism, while foreign employees are becoming increasingly important.
Harz in the labor shortage: Foreigners secure the future of the catering industry!
The Harz, which attracts millions of holidaymakers and hikers every year, is facing major challenges. One of the most serious problems is the shortage of workers in the hospitality industry, which is crucial for the success of the tourism infrastructure. How news38.de reports, many hotels and restaurants rely on foreign employees to maintain their operations. The regional companies are not only looking for seasonal workers, but also for skilled workers such as chefs. The labor shortage therefore affects both large urban centers and rural areas.
In 2023, around 8.12 million overnight stays were recorded in the Harz, which further increases the need for staff in the catering industry. According to a survey by the German Press Agency, the high proportion of foreign workers in the industry is particularly noticeable. These now make up a significant part of the workforce in hotels and restaurants, according to Yahoo News highlighted.
Skilled workers urgently needed
According to estimates, around 10,000 workers are urgently needed in the Lower Saxony hospitality industry District newspaper reported. This number highlights the massive challenge the industry is facing. In particular, finding and retaining employees is extremely difficult. More and more companies are throwing in the towel and relying on international skilled workers, whose numbers have increased significantly in recent years. On the East Frisian Islands, for example, every second employee in the hospitality industry is from abroad.
The origins of these workers are diverse. Many come from countries like Romania or Poland, but there are also employees from Ukraine and Vietnam. In the East Frisian holiday region it is also clear that the recruitment of foreign workers depends on various factors, such as the existing community and the respective tourist season. The state government's support in recruiting workers from Morocco could be a ray of hope here and show initial success.
Restrictions for non-EU citizens
In contrast to EU citizens, who can move and work freely within the Union, non-EU citizens must meet numerous conditions in order to gain a foothold in Germany. This includes an employment contract, certain language skills and the recognition of professional qualifications. The visa process often takes many months, which means that some establishments cannot open on time during the peak season.
In summary, the Harz is facing an explosive situation as a tourist destination: While the demand for accommodation and catering is constantly increasing, the industry will be more dependent than ever on international skilled workers. It remains to be hoped that innovative solutions, such as the existing partnerships with foreign regions, such as Morocco, will help alleviate the acute shortage of workers and continue to ensure the Harz's tourist attractiveness.