Survey Reveals Why Many Foreigners in Germany Consider Leaving

A recent online survey conducted by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) in Nuremberg reveals that over 25% of immigrants in Germany are contemplating leaving the country in the future. The survey, which gathered feedback from tens of thousands of participants, sheds light on the motivations and concerns of foreign residents living in Germany.

Among the key issues cited were:

• Excessive bureaucracy
• High tax burden
• Growing dissatisfaction with Germany’s political climate

Young Immigrants Report Growing Frustration

According to a report from InfoMigrants, nearly two-thirds of the survey participants were under the age of 40, highlighting that younger immigrants are particularly affected by these challenges. Despite the discontent, the majority appear to be in no rush to exit Germany.

• Only 3% of respondents said they were actively planning to leave within the next 12 months.
• Over 50% indicated they intended to stay in Germany for the long term.
• Among the 3% considering departure:
  • Half wished to return to their home countries
  • The other half aimed to migrate to a different destination country

The survey also found that around 50,000 respondents expressed overall dissatisfaction with life in Germany, primarily due to taxation and lifestyle issues.

Highly Educated Immigrants More Likely to Leave

The IAB voiced concern over a troubling trend: immigrants with higher levels of education or professional training are more likely to consider leaving Germany. This poses a risk to the country’s economic stability, especially in sectors already suffering from labor shortages.

“If Germany’s labour market is to continue functioning, we need skilled workers and labour from third countries,” said Vanessa Ahuja, Director of Benefits and International Affairs at the Federal Employment Agency.

One of the most critically affected sectors is healthcare. In response, political figures have proposed measures to retain talent. For instance, Sepp Müller, deputy leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), suggested that international medical students who study in Germany for free should be required to work in the country for at least five years after graduation.

“Anyone who studies here should practice in the country for at least five years. Anyone who does not want to do this must pay back the costs of this first-class education,” Müller stated.

IAB to Continue Monitoring Immigration Trends

The IAB announced that it plans to continue its research in the coming years to track migration trends and provide data-driven insights for policy-makers. The goal is to help Germany create effective strategies to retain international talent and address workforce shortages, particularly in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, IT, and engineering.