Quarter of migrants consider leaving Germany again, survey suggests

A quarter of immigrants living in Germany are considering leaving the country again, with political discontent, tax burdens and red tape among the main reasons cited, according to a new survey released on Wednesday.

Some 26% of the 50,000 immigrants aged 18 to 65 questioned for the online survey by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) are mulling whether to emigrate again, with 3% saying they have concrete plans to do so.

Social factors played a particularly important role when it comes to a potential return, including partners, relatives and friends back home, the survey found.

Those considering moving on to another country also cited professional goals and the economic situation in the destination country as drivers.

Among refugees, discrimination experienced in Germany also played a role.

Respondents who came to Germany for work or professional training, have a high level of education, are more economically successful and have better German language skills are more likely to consider leaving the country.

In other words, it is precisely those individuals Germany aims to attract to address its skilled labour shortage who are most likely to leave, according to the IAB, which is affiliated with the federal employment agency.

“If Germany’s labour market is to continue functioning, we need skilled workers and labour from third countries,” said Vanessa Ahuja of the federal employment agency.

She called on the government to “consistently cut red tape,” and support digitalization as well as “leaner recognition processes and broad and honest social acceptance.”

Most asylum seekers, who do not yet have a recognized residency status, were included from the study.