Berlin’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Franziska Giffey (SPD), is urging the federal government to cut bureaucracy and speed up visa processes in a bid to attract skilled workers from abroad—particularly from India. The former mayor of Berlin returned from a business delegation trip to Delhi and Bengaluru last week with a clear message: “Without skilled workers from abroad, we will not be able to close the massive labor gap ahead.”

Speaking after her visit, Giffey said the most pressing concern raised by Indian business and academic partners was the long and often inconsistent visa process at German consulates. “In almost every meeting, people shared experiences of waiting months for a visa or needing to reapply frequently—even just to attend a trade fair,” she said. “We’re undermining trust and credibility when we actively recruit talent abroad and then make it so difficult for them to enter the country.”

India as Key Partner in Closing Germany’s Skills Gap

Giffey emphasized that India—with its large, well-educated youth population—represents a vital partner in addressing Berlin’s deepening labor shortage. The Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimates that the capital already has a gap of 90,000 skilled workers, a number projected to rise to 400,000 by the 2030s.

“In India, far more people are trained than the domestic job market can absorb,” Giffey said. “They are looking for opportunities around the world to study, work, or start businesses. We need to send a clear message: Yes, you are welcome in Berlin.”

Fears of Far-Right Influence Undermining Trust

According to Giffey, concerns about Germany’s political climate were also frequently raised during the trip. “I was asked multiple times: ‘Are we really welcome in Germany?’” she said. “The far-right rhetoric and attacks from the AfD are being closely watched abroad—and that’s deeply damaging to our reputation as a welcoming and open society.”

In response, Berlin plans to open a new international office in Bengaluru in 2026 to foster partnerships and better communicate opportunities in the German capital. Often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India,” Bengaluru is home to a fast-growing tech and startup scene—making it a natural hub for Berlin’s international talent strategy.

“Welcoming skilled workers isn’t optional,” Giffey concluded. “It’s essential for Berlin’s future.” sueddeutsche.de