BERLIN -- German and Kenyan officials signed an agreement Friday in Berlin to promote the recruitment of skilled workers who can fill gaps in Germany's labor market, and to facilitate the repatriation of Kenyans who don't have the right to stay in Germany.

The agreement was signed during Kenyan President William Ruto's visit to Germany, where he met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Following a signing ceremony, Scholz informed reporters that the agreement signifies a significant step in Germany and Kenya's efforts to enhance collaboration on migration matters.

“This can help us address a shortage of skilled workers,” Scholz stated, emphasizing that Germany is already experiencing the effects of such a labor shortage and that it “will be a persistent issue for years and decades to come.”

Germany has been actively addressing the need to attract more skilled workers from outside the European Union. Experts estimate that the country requires approximately 400,000 skilled immigrants annually to compensate for its aging workforce.

“Conversely, the agreement facilitates efficient return procedures for those who have immigrated to Germany from Kenya but lack or are unable to obtain the necessary authorization to remain. They can now return to their home country more readily and swiftly,” Scholz remarked.

Ruto emphasized that the agreement benefits both parties as it unites the potential of educated Kenyan youth with German technological expertise and resources.

Germany has already established similar agreements with India, Georgia, and Morocco, and is scheduled to sign one this weekend with Uzbekistan during a visit there by Scholz, according to the German news agency dpa.

The agreement was formalized by German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during a ceremony at the chancellery in Berlin on Friday, with Scholz and Ruto observing the proceedings.

Scholz's unpopular coalition government faces a growing challenge from the far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD), which performed strongly in two recent state elections in eastern Germany. Another election is scheduled for September 22 in Brandenburg, the state surrounding Berlin.