A doctor examines a patient's ear with an otoscope. Photo: DPA
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German hospitals fear a labor shortage if Syrians return to their homeland.
In Germany, healthcare professionals are warning of a serious labor shortage if Syrians decide to return to their homeland en masse, Der Spiegel reports.
For example, there are 5,758 Syrian doctors working in the German healthcare system. Most of them work in rural areas.
In addition, many Syrians work in elderly care.
Gerald Gaß, chairman of the German Hospital Association , warned that German healthcare could be at risk, especially in small towns.
– We understand that many of them [Syrians] want to return to their homeland, and they are desperately needed there.
– If they leave Germany en masse, it will undoubtedly be felt in the healthcare personnel situation.
There are about a million Syrian refugees in Germany
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has called on Syrians to leave Germany.
Many Syrians have announced their intention to return to their homeland after the fall of the al-Assad government, according to a survey of Syrians living in Germany.
A report published by the Employment Research Institute on Friday states that a large-scale exodus of Syrians could have significant regional and sectoral impacts. The exodus of Syrians would particularly hit industries and regions that are already suffering from labor shortages.
There are approximately 287,000 Syrians working in Germany.
Syrian men work in sectors such as transport and logistics, industry, food and accommodation services, healthcare and construction, among others. Syrian women work in sectors such as social and cultural services.
Source: AFP
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