This job is specifically for the younger generation less attractive become. It has something to do with them long working hours and it exert physical exertion to do, but also Remuneration repeatedly criticized for being too low. There are also gaps in other European countries, some of which are much larger.
What is required? “welcome culture”
“If only five percent of Indian drivers went to Austria, then there would be no shortage,” Ebner-Mayer said in an interview with COURIER during a bumpy bus journey through Bangalore in southern India. To be able to drive in Austria, most Indian drivers require a number of additional training courses.
According to Ebner-Mayer, some have also been completed in India German language course and a “welcome culture” it is important in Austria to make the move as easy as possible. Many Indian workers have immigrated so far Great Britain or Canada from where they can speak the language and there is already a large Indian community. But the biggest incentive may come from Austria Wageswhich is a multiple of India.
Obstacles for companies that want to bring in drivers from abroad: drivers do not fall within the regulations set by the government List of jobs in short supply. Kadin demanded this change. Foreign drivers can then work more easily in Austria with the red-white-red card. The lower income limit no longer applies to them.
School and bus drivers However, until this year, this had been considered Shortage of work. Austria is currently actively seeking it in India: ÖVP Minister of Economy Martin Kocher currently on a business trip to the South Asian country with WKÖ, IV and business delegations from 18 companies (COURIER was there by invitation, note). One of the goals: make job opportunities in Austria better known there – in regions where Austria needs them.
Apart from bus drivers, this mainly concerns skilled workers from IT field, which India is famous for. But also in other shortage jobs nurse and cook For example, we feel that there is greater potential considering the level of education and the large number of young people (1.4 billion people, average age is 28 years).
Already the second largest group for red-white-red cards
In early 2023, Indians after Serbia second largest group Red-white-red card holder more than 1,800 of the 8,000 permits issued were awarded to them. Overall, at the end of the year there were approx 7,300 people with Indian citizenship working in Austria, most of them – 1,330 – in tourist and cooking skills.
There is a very diverse workforce in India, says Kocher: “Each region has a different focus. It would be a mistake to focus too much on recruiting skilled workers.”
Regarding truck drivers, he said: “So far they are not on the job shortage list because there are too many registered job seekers.” This is also caused by the large number of open positions that are not available AMS reported. That probably won't change any time soon.
