Germany needs more workers, not new barriers to immigration

BDA CEO Steffen Kampeter on plans to halve the Western Balkans quota:

Germany needs more workers, not new barriers to immigration

Berlin, 15 October 2026. “Germany needs more workers, not new barriers to immigration. By planning to halve the Western Balkans quota to 25,000 people, the Federal Government is sending the wrong signal.

The Western Balkans Regulation is a successful model: more than 600,000 people from these countries work in Germany, predominantly in skilled occupations. Sectors with particularly high staffing needs, such as construction, logistics, hospitality and care, benefit from this proven and straightforward instrument. Halving the quota would exacerbate labour shortages and jeopardise important housing construction and infrastructure projects.

Concerns about immigration into the welfare system are unfounded: the scheme requires an employment contract and a sufficient income. The Federal Government must strengthen successful routes for recruiting workers rather than putting the brakes on them.”