Halle/Magdeburg (dpa/sa) – The economy in Saxony-Anhalt is pushing for more immigration of skilled workers. By 2040, one in four employees in the country will retire. That’s around 167,000 people, as announced by the Halle-Dessau Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) and the Magdeburg Chamber of Commerce on Friday. The background is forecasts by labor market experts. The economy cannot fill the gap in qualified employees on its own. Better political framework conditions with less bureaucracy are needed. “Our companies urgently need junior staff,” emphasized a spokesman for the IHK Magdeburg.

The chambers suggested setting up an authority for the immigration of skilled workers, one each for the north and south of the country. So far there are 14 competent authorities in the country. Companies would thus have a single point of contact on site. According to their own statements, the IHK Magdeburg and the IHK Halle represent the interests of around 110,000 companies in Saxony-Anhalt.