Foreign workers: Thuringia's economy is experiencing a boom!

Foreign workers: Thuringia's economy is experiencing a boom!

A lot is happening in Thuringia: more and more people with foreign roots are bringing new impetus to the state's economy. According to insuedthueringen.de, non-Germans now make up around ten percent of the region's workforce out of. A huge jump when you consider that in January 2010 only around 6,600 people without a German passport were working in jobs subject to social security contributions. Currently there are almost 79,000!

What does this mean for the local economy? Markus Behrens, chairman of the board of the state employment agency, emphasizes that the growing number of employees with an international background not only contributes to stability, but also to new impulses in various industries. However, challenges remained, particularly in relation to social integration.

The integration climate in Thuringia

The coexistence of people with and without a migration background is recorded by the SVR Integration Climate Index (IKI), which determined an average rating of 61 points for Thuringia in 2022. This index shows positive developments compared to previous years and gives hope that the perception of integration in the region is fruitful. What is particularly remarkable is the convergence of perceptions between East and West Germans, as reported by BIMF and Thuringia.

But not everything is going well: the IKI found a difference of over 19 points between the two groups in the neighborhood area. People with a migration background rate this aspect more positively (72.5 points) than those without (69.5 points). There are also still differences in social relationships, although both groups do comparatively well here.

The role of migrants

A further look at the situation of migrant women is necessary because they play a central role in the integration process. According to the BAMF, around 3.2 million women who are third-country nationals live in Germany and are often confronted with a wide variety of challenges. The employment rate for this group in 2021 was around 44 percent, which shows that a lot of potential remains unused.

In particular, the high requirements for the recognition of qualifications in education, upbringing and health professions as well as the lack of childcare options represent hurdles for migrant women. To counteract this, programs such as “Strong at work” were launched, which not only support integration into the labor market, but also address the specific needs of women and parents.

Finally, it should be noted that the integration of foreign citizens, especially migrants, has a long way to go in Thuringia. But the foundation has been laid. With a continued positive integration climate and targeted support options, many hurdles can still be overcome. Thuringia, with its redesigned economic landscape, is facing an exciting future!