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Lower Saxony's Hospitality Sector Struggles to Fill Jobs With Foreign Workers

The hospitality industry in Lower Saxony needs foreign workers, but finding and keeping them is a challenge. Businesses and stakeholders must work together to address these issues and ensure a steady supply of skilled workers.

On the left side there is a ship and in the background there are ships on the sea and there are...
On the left side there is a ship and in the background there are ships on the sea and there are mountains.

Lower Saxony's Hospitality Sector Struggles to Fill Jobs With Foreign Workers

The hospitality sector in Lower Saxony, particularly along the North Sea coast and in popular tourist destinations like the Harz, heavily relies on foreign workers. Over 36% of employees in the coastal hospitality sector come from abroad, with the share being higher than in other sectors. However, recruiting and integrating these workers comes with numerous challenges.

Businesses in the Harz seek both seasonal workers and skilled professionals like chefs. The process, however, is fraught with legal and bureaucratic hurdles. Non-EU workers need a work contract, language skills, and recognition of their professional qualifications. Visa issuance can also be lengthy, sometimes delaying business openings.

The tourism sector faces additional challenges. Language barriers, cultural integration issues, and lack of support structures complicate the process. Many foreign workers in the Harz do not stay long-term, drawn instead to big cities. Few locals seem interested in settling in the Harz for work. Recruitment depends on factors such as the presence of origin country communities and the strength of the tourist season.

Despite these challenges, foreign workers remain indispensable to the hospitality industry in the Harz, which attracts thousands of vacationers and hikers every year. Stakeholders must work together to address these issues and ensure a steady supply of skilled workers to support the sector's growth.

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