Germany and Kenya signed an agreement on Friday in Berlin to recruit skilled workers who can fill gaps in Germany’s labor market and to facilitate the repatriation of Kenyans who do not have the right to stay in Germany.

The agreement was signed during a visit to Germany by Kenyan President William Ruto, who met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Although the exact number of workers who will arrive in Germany has not been disclosed, a spokesman for Kenya’s presidential office said it could be up to 250,000 Kenyans.

Immigration is a major flashpoint in Germany and has fueled the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

The deal comes as Scholz’s government begins a crackdown on illegal immigration, recently announcing tighter border controls. Late last month, Berlin announced new security measures aimed at speeding up the deportation of rejected asylum seekers and undocumented migrants, which will begin next week.

In addition to preventing irregular migration, the agreement aims to address labor market needs in both countries, providing opportunities for Kenyan workers while filling Germany’s skilled labor shortage. It also aims to simplify the repatriation of Kenyans who are illegally in Germany.