The German state of Saxony-Anhalt is launching a special support program for foreign healthcare workers to retain them in the local labor market. By 2035, the region will lack around 24,000 qualified nurses and caregivers. The German Red Cross has received 1.47 million euros for this purpose until 2028. Four support workers will help new employees with professional and social integration.

Severe Staff Shortage

Saxony-Anhalt estimates that by 2035, there will be a shortage of 24,000 additional qualified workers in the healthcare and nursing sector. This is one of the main reasons for launching the new program.

"Kümmererstruktur" Program

The project involves the employment of four support workers who will individually assist foreign specialists. Their tasks include help with official matters, finding childcare, or enrolling in language courses.

Funding Until 2028

A total of 1.47 million euros has been allocated for the project until 2028. These funds will go to the German Red Cross, which is the program operator.

Long-Term Goals

The main goal is not just to recruit workers but to retain them in Saxony-Anhalt long-term. The ministry hopes that comprehensive support outside the workplace will counteract feelings of loneliness.

The German state of Saxony-Anhalt is launching a pilot program aimed at retaining foreign healthcare workers. The project, named "Kümmererstruktur" (support structure), is a response to a severe staff shortage. It is estimated that by 2035, the region will lack around 24,000 qualified nurses and caregivers. Germany has been struggling with a shortage of care workers for years, which worsened after 2010 due to an aging society. In response to this problem, the so-called "Pflegepersonal-Stärkungsgesetz" (Nursing Staff Strengthening Act) was introduced in 2013, and in 2020, procedures for recognizing qualifications for workers from non-EU countries were simplified. The program is implemented by the German Red Cross and funded from the state budget. A total of 1.47 million euros has been allocated for 2024-2028. A key element is the employment of four support workers who will provide individual assistance to newly arrived specialists. Their tasks include help with daily matters, such as handling official formalities, organizing childcare, or finding suitable language courses. The Minister of Labor and Health of Saxony-Anhalt, Petra Grimm-Benne, emphasized during the presentation in Magdeburg that the key to success is precisely this "reliable support structure." It will allow not only for recruitment but also for long-term staff retention. „Eine verlässliche Kümmererstruktur ist der Schlüssel dafür, dass Fachkräfte nicht nur gewonnen werden, sondern sich dafür entscheiden, in Sachsen-Anhalt langfristig zu bleiben.” (A reliable support structure is the key to not only acquiring skilled workers but also ensuring they decide to stay in Saxony-Anhalt long-term.) — Petra Grimm-Benne The program fits into Germany's broader strategy, which has been actively recruiting medical workers from abroad for years, mainly from Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. Saxony-Anhalt, as a region with relatively low economic attractiveness, has particular difficulty competing for workers with richer states such as Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg. The new system aims to offset this advantage by offering comprehensive non-professional support, which is intended to counteract feelings of loneliness and isolation in a new country. The success of the program will be significant not only for the local healthcare system but could also serve as a model for other German regions facing similar demographic and staffing challenges.

Mentioned People

  • Petra Grimm-Benne — Minister of Labor and Health of the state of Saxony-Anhalt, member of the SPD.