Rheinland-Pfalz businesses demand less bureaucracy for foreign workers

Entrepreneurs in Rheinland-Pfalz are calling for reduced bureaucracy and clearer structures to facilitate the recruitment of foreign skilled workers. Karsten Tacke, Managing Director of the Landesvereinigung der Unternehmerverbände (LVU), emphasized that businesses require reliable contact points and efficient procedures regarding visas and the recognition of qualifications.

Tacke noted that complex overlapping responsibilities particularly hinder smaller companies. He also stressed the importance of making it easier for international workers and their families to settle in the region. While the LVU supports state initiatives to promote the region, Tacke warned that recruitment campaigns must lead to actual employment.

The importance of international labor is highlighted by data from the Handwerkskammer Koblenz, which reported that out of approximately 7,300 apprentices across all trades at the end of 2025, 1,048 were of foreign nationality.