Shortage of skilled workers in the Harz: Foreign employees are crucial for tourism!

Shortage of skilled workers in the Harz: Foreign employees are crucial for tourism!

The picturesque Harz region attracts countless holidaymakers and hikers to its hilly beauty every year. But where there is light, there is also shadow, leaving hotel and restaurant operators facing a relentless labor shortage. As news38.de reports, more and more companies are relying on foreign employees to overcome the challenges of the season. This is particularly clear from a current survey by the German Press Agency, according to which the proportion of foreign workers in the catering and hotel industries is significantly higher than in other sectors.

But why are foreign workers so important for the success of tourism in Lower Saxony? One reason for this is the unbroken trend that companies rely not only on seasonal workers, but also on skilled workers such as chefs. This dependency is particularly evident in the Harz Mountains, where the lack of local workers affects the gastronomic diversity. Recruiting workers from abroad depends heavily on the existing community and seasonal fluctuations.

View of the borders

The regulations for foreign workers vary. EU citizens can move and work freely, while non-EU citizens have strict entry requirements such as an employment contract, language skills and the recognition of professional qualifications. The visa process is often lengthy, which can result in businesses not being able to open in time for their peak season.

Foreign workers are essential, especially on the North Sea coast. In the East Frisian holiday region, the proportion of foreign employees in the hospitality industry has increased from 23% in 2014 to over 36% in 2024. On the East Frisian Islands, around every second employee in the hospitality industry comes from abroad. On Borkum and Norderney it is mainly Romanian seasonal workers, while on Juist a larger group from Poland works.

New partnerships for recruitment

To facilitate the recruitment of foreign workers, the state government has provided support, particularly for workers from Morocco. A newly formed labor migration partnership with the Moroccan region of Tangier has already begun to bear fruit, with Moroccan trainees already arriving in the hospitality industry. This could also represent a long-term solution to the acute shortage of skilled workers.

In summary, it shows that the Harz region not only offers a beautiful landscape, but also a challenging working environment. The combination of the tourist rush and the shortage of skilled workers requires creative solutions and international cooperation.