Lots of theories on this paradox, which is not unique to Germany nor EU, but seems to be a manifestation of economic development in general. Some thoughts on w

Lots of theories on this paradox, which is not unique to Germany nor EU, but seems to be a manifestation of economic development in general. Some thoughts on which might go towards an explanation: - immigrants (unsurprisingly) are mobile, are prepared to move to the work. Job categories where the labour shortage is most acute, as all on-location jobs, many of which are located in cities and regions unattractive to native workers - work is hard and unrewarding. Native workers won't do the work for the compensation offered, immigrants usually do not have the privilege of saying no - too long to train, then too hard to retain. No incentive for employers to hire-to-train, only to see trained up workers convert their training into higher paying offers elsewhere, so employers just satisfy themselves with smaller companies, less growth. Or hire foreign workers - democratic incentive to keep consumer costs low. What is good for worker is bad for the consumer. Short term fix of increasing labour pool with cheaper labour solves the short term political needs for politicians subject to popularity votes - demographic crisis. Not having enough kids, over the past few decades, now coming home to roost. Even if incentives were provided to local workers, it would still not make up for the shortfall - overeducation. Modern economies moved young people toward University education, whereupon graduates emerge with middle class, white collar, knowledge work aspirations. Push to educate might have inadvertently denuded the population of workers willing to do skilled trades - status competition. All of the job roles with highest degree of labour shortage are low status occupations. No bueno for anyone who wants to 'better themselves'. Society wide failure to correct the erroneous de-valuing of essential work, another bird coming home to roost. Probably others, but this is what I got