On the 65th anniversary of the German-Turkish recruitment agreement, on 30 and 31 October 2026, in Berlin and in towns across south-western Germany, commemorative events, panel discussions and local projects remembered the so-called guest worker generation. The of the Federal Government, published on the same day. They show both increased participation in the highlighted the economic and social contributions of immigrants at a ceremony, linking the tribute to current social policy issues.
The recruitment agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and Türkiye was signed on 30 October 1961. It paved the way for state-organised labour migration to meet the high demand for workers in the 1960s. This led to lasting family ties, the founding of associations and businesses, and a significant impact on urban communities, particularly in industrial and port cities.
According to the Federal Statistical Office, several million people with a Turkish migration background now live in Germany. In October 2026, the Office pointed to current structural and population data that were cited in reports marking the anniversary. The Federal Government stressed the link between reliable immigration policy, fair working conditions and sustainable integration.
Numerous commemorative and educational initiatives came from south-western Germany. In Ludwigshafen first-hand accounts from so-called “suitcase children” brought experiences of separation and later educational success into focus. In Sindelfingen industrial history, migration and perspectives on the present were brought together. The SWR documented personal life stories and local projects that bridge remembrance and support for young people entering vocational training and the labour market.
At the same time, shortcomings were clearly identified. Social researchers and welfare organisations see an increased risk of poverty in old age among former recruited workers, due in part to interrupted employment histories, physically demanding work and late retirement. Political and practical representatives therefore called for greater recognition of lifetime working hours, accessible advice on pension entitlements and tailored training programmes, particularly for late entrants and career changers in the labour market.
Prominent voices from the south-west also spoke out. Federal Minister Cem Özdemir, who is from Baden-Württemberg, praised the pioneering achievements of the first generation, according to SWR reports, and highlighted the value of education, language support and fair participation. Representatives of the Länder and local authorities also stressed that debates about recognition, social security and equal participation are not merely retrospective, but have implications for current integration, labour market and social policy.
The events marking the 65th anniversary thus demonstrated two things: gratitude and recognition for the contribution made by guest workers — and the responsibility to reduce social risks and continue opening up opportunities for the generations that follow.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).