Survey: 25% of Non-Asylum Foreigners in Germany Intend to Emigrate
Survey: 1 in 4 Immigrants in Germany Considers Leaving
Key Findings
- 26% of immigrants in Germany are contemplating leaving in the future, though only 3% have concrete plans to depart within a year.
- 50,000 respondents expressed dissatisfaction, citing bureaucracy, high taxes, and political discontent.
- Younger immigrants (under 40) dominated the survey, with over half intending to stay long-term.
Why Some Want to Leave
- Top concerns: Complex bureaucracy, heavy tax burden, and dissatisfaction with Germany’s political climate.
- Of those planning to leave, half aim to return home, while the other half seek relocation elsewhere.
Brain Drain Fears: Skilled Workers More Likely to Go
- The Institute for Employment Research (IAB) warns that highly educated migrants are more inclined to leave, threatening Germany’s labor market.
- Vanessa Ahuja (Federal Employment Agency): "Germany relies on skilled foreign workers—losing them would hurt the economy."
Proposed Solutions
- CDU proposal: Require international medical students who study tuition-free to work in Germany for 5 years post-graduation, or repay education costs.
- IAB plans to continue tracking migration trends to help policymakers retain skilled foreign talent.
Germany’s Immigration Landscape
- Despite frustrations, most immigrants still see Germany as a long-term home.
- The country remains a top destination for foreign workers, but retention challenges persist.