In Germany, which was shaken by the Russian-Ukraine War, concerns about the future of expatriate Turks has increased. In Germany, where more than 3.5 million expatriates live in the last year, the shrinkage in the automotive sector, especially in the automotive sector, is also concerned about Turkish workers. While the most important economic crisis in the country will be affected by the most Turkish workers, Türkiye’s exports of 21 billion 79 million dollars in the future of Germany, the Russian-US equation is expected to be shaped.
19 thousand workers decreased
In the last year, the economic problems in the automotive sector in Germany have burned figures. Germany has produced 4.1 million vehicles in 2023 as the largest car manufacturer in Europe. However, the difficulties in the sector led to a significant decrease in production and sales. In the first half of 2024, automobile sales decreased by 4.7 percent to 269 billion euros. The employment situation in the sector is not heartwarming. At the end of 2024, approximately 761 thousand people work in the automotive sector, but the number of employees in the sector compared to the previous year decreased by about 19 thousand people. On the other hand, high energy costs and increasing competition of Chinese manufacturers negatively affect the profitability of German automotive manufacturers. The 25 percent of the US customs tariffs implemented by the USA seriously affect the German automotive sector, while economic loss is expected up to 200 billion euros for 2025. The rate of expatriate Turkish workers in the automotive sector in Germany is estimated to be 3 percent. Especially in cities such as Ingolstadt and Neckkarsulm, where Audi’s centers are located, the population of 60 thousand people is working.
Threat to Türkiye
Experts who evaluate the political and economic picture in the country, the most expatriate Turks will be affected by a possible crisis will be affected. International Relations Specialist Dr. Hasan Köni He states that Germany can narrow its economy further under the influence of the US, and that it pose a threat to Türkiye’s economic relations. Köni, “If the German economy regress, many expatriate Turks may be unemployed. Especially Turkish workers working in the automotive and industrial sectors, may face layoffs,” he says.
Is the stagnation temporary?
Another expert, Istanbul University Faculty of Economics Faculty Member. Dr. Sefer Şener argues that the stagnation in Germany is temporary. Sener, “Germany still has a very strong economy. However, the short -term automotive sector contraction and China’s electric vehicle market elements such as elements, Germany’s foreign trade may affect”.
Visa injustice
On the other hand, in addition to concerns that unemployment figures in Germany may increase, another problem is the visa difficulty brought to Turkish citizens. The settlement of Germany and the finalization of visa applications lasts for an average of 10-14 weeks, while the visa applications of Saudi citizens may result in a few days. This creates difficulties especially for the family reunion of new immigrants from Türkiye to Germany and for students or workers’ visas.
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