Global recruitment drive

Germany’s labor market desperately needs skilled workers - particularly in the medical sector. There’s also a high demand for professional drivers. That’s why many companies are recruiting internationally. Elaine from Brazil worked as head of nursing at the emergency department and intensive care unit of a clinic in São Paulo. She’s married and has an eight-year-old son. She’s long dreamed of living in Europe; São Paulo’s high crime rate is one of the reasons why she’s keen to leave her homeland. "I can’t travel alone to early or late shifts. I’ll either be raped or robbed," she says. In Germany, she’s hoping for security and a better quality of life - something she’d like for her son in particular. Elaine initially goes to Düsseldorf alone; the family plans to join her later. But it won’t be easy for the Brazilian woman. Despite the language barrier, bureaucracy, and the loneliness that comes with being separated from her loved ones, can Elaine start to feel at home in Germany? Yassin originates from Sousse, a Tunisian coastal city. After leaving fininshing his schooling, he worked there as a truck driver. In Tunisia, the only requirements for this job are a driving license and initial training. Things are different in Germany: Yassin is training as a professional driver for three-and-a-half years at a haulage company in Hesse. Tunisian driver’s licenses aren’t recognized in European countries, so he needs to pass the tests again. Yassin’s trainers describe him as ‘highly motivated and very good’. His final exam is coming up soon. Will the young man, who’s also learning German, make it as a skilled worker on the German labor market? If so, he’d like a small flat where he can invite friends round. His current room, which doesn’t have a kitchen, isn’t suitable - and hospitality is very important in his home country.