Germany’s chronic shortage of nursing staff has led to an increasing reliance on international recruitment — particularly from the Philippines. Thousands of Filipino nurses are being actively recruited to work in German hospitals and care homes, where their qualifications, compassion, and strong work ethic are highly valued. But while this strategy helps fill critical gaps in Germany’s healthcare system, it’s creating serious challenges in their home country.

Strained Conditions at Manila’s Fabella Hospital

In Manila’s Fabella Hospital — the largest maternity clinic in the Philippines — nurses are stretched thin. Working conditions are difficult, shifts are long, and understaffing is a daily reality. With up to a hundred births per day, nurses are often left covering for entire absent teams. Many say the pressure is unsustainable.

One key reason behind the staffing crisis is migration. Roughly half of the Philippines’ trained nurses now work abroad. For many, the decision is driven by necessity: overseas, they can earn up to ten times more than they would at home. Germany, through partnerships with local universities and the Goethe-Institut, offers language training and professional preparation before nurses relocate.

The program is seen as a success in Germany. Since 2013, nearly 13,000 Filipino nurses have been placed in German facilities. However, the long-term impact in the Philippines is raising concerns. Nursing schools report a sharp decline in local applicants. Hospital administrators warn that the system is being pushed to the limit.

At the same time, there are some economic benefits: remittances sent home from abroad help support families and contribute to the Philippine economy. But experts argue that the loss of skilled labor is not sustainable.

The Philippine government is now under pressure to make domestic nursing more attractive — with better pay, working conditions, and incentives to stay. Until then, the trend is unlikely to slow.