Germany: One in four immigrants doesn't want to stay – DW – 06/17/2025
www.dw.com
Why are immigrants leaving Germany? A new study shows that other countries are more attractive to economically successful foreigners. Discrimination also plays a major role.

A new study shows that other countries are more attractive to economically successful foreigners. Discrimination also plays a major role.

The survey excludes asylum seekers who do not yet have recognized residence status in Germany. The survey period ran from December 2024 to April 2025.

“A key finding of our survey is that it is precisely those who moved to Germany to work or study, who are better educated or more economically successful and who have a better command of the German language, who are more likely than average to consider leaving or express concrete plans to emigrate,” said IAB researcher Katia Gallegos Torres.

Immigrants with a master’s degree or doctorate and higher earners in particular have considered leaving Germany in the last twelve months.

“Almost two-thirds of immigrants report perceived discrimination, for example at work, on the housing market, in public spaces or in contact with the police,” says Gallegos Torres

  • Unsaved5831@lemm.eeEnglish
    5·
    2 days ago

    Overall, there are many indications that government measures such as reducing bureaucracy, simplifying the recognition of qualifications, increasing digitalization, and providing tax breaks could reduce the tendency to emigrate, especially among professionally successful immigrants, say the IAB researchers. However, they add that “broad and honest” social acceptance is also needed.

    Meanwhile, the CDU is now calling for foreign medical students not to be allowed to leave so easily after graduating. Anyone who studies in Germany should follow their studies by working as a doctor for at least five years — preferably in rural areas of Germany, where there is a growing shortage of medical professionals. “Those who do not want to do so must repay the costs of this first-class education,” said Sepp Müller, deputy chairman of the CDU group in parliament. The Health Ministry, also run by the CDU, has welcomed the proposal. “We must attract young doctors to work in Germany instead of watching them leave,” explained Tino Sorge, state secretary in the ministry.

    Haha, good luck with that.