Migration research: Are skilled workers and foreigners welcome in Saxony-Anhalt?

Saxony-Anhalt is at a crucial juncture in its development. Demographic change, a persistent shortage of skilled workers , and the growing emigration of young people are putting increasing pressure on the state . At the same time, Saxony-Anhalt has been experiencing a significant increase in immigration for years – initially due to the refugee movements of 2015/16 and later due to people fleeing the war in Ukraine . While the state urgently needs new workers and skilled professionals , many segments of the population still exhibit a noticeable reluctance towards migration and diversity. These tensions between need and acceptance significantly determine how successful – or unsuccessful – integration is. Minor – Wissenschaft Gesellschaft mbH has now published a fascinating paper on precisely this topic ( Immigration: In Demand, Needed, Yet Not Wanted? The Contradictory Culture of Welcome in Saxony-Anhalt: Analysis of the Data and Research Basis by Bianca Dülken, Kristina Korte, Olha Lushankina, and Anne von Oswald ), which we would like to examine in this blog post.

What data reveals about social interaction

Current survey data from the Saxony-Anhalt Monitor and the SVR Integration Barometer paint a mixed picture : Many people in the state view migration as a challenge, and the climate for integration has recently deteriorated. Nevertheless, personal contacts between people with and without a migration background are predominantly positive. The connection between encounters and attitudes is particularly evident: Where personal contact is more frequent —for example, in the workplace or in education—the view of integration is significantly more favorable. Conversely, the greatest reservations exist precisely where encounters are rare, such as in residential areas or neighborhoods. This is where the vicious cycle begins: A lack of encounters fosters prejudice, and prejudices prevent encounters.

Between openness and alienation

While only a small portion of the population completely rejects radical statements on migration, many respondents express a growing sense of alienation . The desire for assimilation rather than mutual adaptation and a growing distrust of migration procedures demonstrate that the societal debate has become harsher. At the same time, Saxony-Anhalt has registered an increase in politically motivated and racist crimes for years – a further indication that the social climate is tense.

The close correlation between satisfaction with democracy and attitudes towards immigration is remarkable: people who are dissatisfied with how democracy functions are significantly more likely to express negative views about refugees and migrants. Here, denigration often serves as an outlet for a deeper feeling of being left behind.

Encounter has an impact: Examples from practice

Despite these challenges, strong civil society initiatives throughout the state are actively working towards a positive culture of welcome . Meeting places like the " One World House" in Magdeburg create spaces where people of different backgrounds can come together and engage in conversation. However, such resources are not available everywhere, especially in rural areas.

There, smaller initiatives, often driven by volunteers, have a significant impact. The "Sangerhausen bleibt bunt" (Sangerhausen Remains Colorful) alliance , for example, brings people together through commemorative events, city tours, and community festivals, and has been providing important impetus against exclusion and racism for years. Similarly, the biworegio e. V. association in Bitterfeld-Wolfen has a lasting impact , having evolved from a shared breaking of the fast during Ramadan into a permanent meeting place.

Schools and workplaces also play a crucial role, as this is where the most intensive exchange already takes place. Projects such as "Democracy in Work and Education" or the "Intercultural" children's and youth club in Merseburg promote open learning and working environments and create positive everyday experiences – especially for children whose parents often have less contact with mainstream society.

How Saxony-Anhalt can secure its future

The data and examples show that a strong culture of welcome and recognition is not a "nice-to-have," but a prerequisite for Saxony-Anhalt to actively shape its future. Without immigrants, the labor shortage will continue to worsen, and without societal openness, it will be nearly impossible to retain people in the state long-term. Building such a culture requires several components: spaces for interaction in neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces; political measures against discrimination; reliable support systems for those affected; and, above all, a social climate that perceives diversity not as a threat, but as an opportunity.

A statewide campaign could help to raise awareness of this issue. If businesses, government agencies, associations, migrant organizations, and immigrants raise their voices together, a powerful message can emerge: Saxony-Anhalt is a place where people are welcome – and needed.

Conclusion: Open societies are gaining ground

Saxony-Anhalt faces significant challenges, but also equally significant opportunities. Research clearly shows that integration succeeds where encounters take place. Practice demonstrates that many dedicated individuals on the ground facilitate these encounters. And demographics show that the state depends on immigration. A welcoming and inclusive culture not only strengthens immigrants but society as a whole. It dismantles prejudices, reinforces democracy, and ensures that Saxony-Anhalt remains an attractive place to live and work – for everyone who is already here and for everyone who will come.