Major concern about migrant exodus and its effect on the job market
Germany is facing growing concern over migrants leaving the country after arriving for work. The issue has drawn attention because the German labour market increasingly depends on foreign workers as the population ages.
A study by Germany’s Institute for Employment Research (IAB) examined why people who had migrated to Germany later decided to leave. Researchers found that Germany has been successful in attracting workers but has faced greater difficulties in keeping them in the country.
One major issue is Germany’s bureaucracy. Migrants have reported frustration with complicated administrative procedures, including difficulties involving immigration authorities and recognition of qualifications. Language barriers, housing problems and problems navigating the labour market can also make long-term settlement more difficult.
The situation is particularly significant because Germany is experiencing demographic change. The number of German workers of working age has been declining, while the number of foreign workers has increased. According to the Federal Employment Agency, employment growth since 2024 has been driven exclusively by foreign workers, as employment among German nationals has increasingly been affected by population ageing.
Foreign workers are also becoming increasingly important in occupations facing labour shortages. The Federal Employment Agency said their share of the workforce in shortage occupations has roughly doubled since 2014, reaching around 14 percent.
Germany therefore faces a difficult combination of challenges: it needs immigration to help maintain its workforce, but it must also address the factors that encourage some migrants to leave. Researchers and officials say retaining workers will be increasingly important as more people reach retirement age and fewer young workers enter the labour market.