Tourists rely on foreign labor in the hospitality sector - Tourism relies on backing from foreign laborers
In Lower Saxony, the hospitality sector is witnessing a significant transformation, thanks to the influx of foreign workers. However, the recruitment and integration of these workers vary across regions, influenced by local administrative requirements, language support, and available multilingual services.
One of the key factors shaping this process is the health certification and administrative requirements. Foreign workers must obtain a health certificate, a crucial step towards legal employment. Yet, the recognition and application of these certificates differ by federal state and local authorities, causing inconsistencies. This is particularly challenging in rural areas, where support is limited and formal requirements are stricter compared to larger cities.
Language barriers also pose a challenge for foreign workers, especially in regions where information is only available in German. Some larger cities offer employment information and infection protection instructions in multiple languages, making it easier for non-German speakers to access these resources.
Regional hospitality brands, such as FREIgeist Hotels, emphasize regional identity and community integration, indicating a regional effort to accommodate local cultural dynamics and facilitate better integration.
Labor rights and wage considerations are another concern. Although German law mandates equal treatment of foreign workers, reports suggest wage discrimination and challenges in labor conditions persist, which could differ regionally depending on local enforcement and employer practices.
On the North Sea coast, foreign workers are essential, particularly during the holiday season. Every second hospitality worker on the East Frisian islands is foreign, with the demand for seasonal workers being high due to a traditionally strong summer season. In Hannover, skilled workers are sought throughout the year due to the city's major role in the conference business.
The Harz region, too, has seen a rise in foreign workers due to labor shortages. However, retaining these workers for long periods can be challenging, as they are often attracted towards major cities. An initiative to employ several Ukrainian women in the Lüneburg Heath failed due to childcare responsibilities.
Businesses in Lower Saxony are seeking not only seasonal workers as service staff but also skilled workers such as chefs. To streamline the process, digitizing visa procedures could prove beneficial. The state government is even supporting businesses in recruiting workers from Morocco for the hospitality industry.
The proportion of foreign employees in the hospitality industry on the East Frisian islands has risen from around 23% in 2014 to over 36% in 2024. The origin of foreign workers varies across the East Frisian islands, with many Romanian seasonal workers on Borkum and Norderney, a larger group of Polish workers on Juist, and workers also coming from Ukraine, Vietnam, Italy, and Croatia.
Many hotels and restaurants across Lower Saxony are relying on foreign employees, contributing significantly to the success of tourism in the region. Despite the challenges, the integration of foreign workers remains crucial for the continued growth and success of the hospitality industry in Lower Saxony.
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- The employment policy in EC countries, particularly in Lower Saxony, should address the inconsistencies in health certificate recognition and application across regions, ensuring a uniform process that considers rural areas where support is limited.
- To optimize the recruitment and retention of foreign workers for the hospitality industry, regional businesses in Lower Saxony could explore the integration of technology, such as digitalizing visa procedures, for a more efficient process and reduced regional disparities.
