New study: Why many immigrant skilled workers want to leave Germany again

Germany is desperately seeking skilled workers from abroad – and is attracting them. But according to a recent study by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), one in four people is considering leaving Germany again.

Over 8,000 immigrants who have immigrated since 2013 were surveyed – and the results are sobering. Despite having a visa, a job, and a residence permit, many don't feel truly settled.

Why do many people think about walking?

The reasons for leaving Germany are varied – and often structural:

• Social isolation : Without sustainable networks, the feeling of alienation remains.

• Lack of perspective : Those who do not see a long-term perspective do not plan for the future.

• Bureaucratic hurdles : Complicated procedures, long waiting times and a lack of transparency are frustrating.

• Unclear recognition procedures : Reliable and fast procedures are lacking, especially for professional qualifications.

• Career barriers : Many are overqualified, underchallenged or stagnating professionally.

Integration as a social task

Germany has taken important steps in recent years to become more international and open to skilled workers from abroad. But mere recruitment isn't enough – those who want to stay permanently must feel welcome and integrated . To ensure that immigrants don't just come to work but also truly want to live here, clear improvements are needed: faster and more reliable recognition of foreign qualifications, family-friendly and long-term residency prospects, and greater legal clarity regarding residency and naturalization .

Equally crucial is practical integration in everyday life – through language courses, social participation, and practical support. Only when immigrants feel integrated into society can they truly envision a future in Germany. Migration is not just an administrative issue – it's about people, their families, and their life choices.

Conclusion: Those who are to stay must feel safe

If Germany wants to address the shortage of skilled workers in the long term, it's not enough to simply open doors. We must ensure that people want to walk through those doors and stay.

Source of the study

IAB (Institute for Employment Research): One of the most comprehensive studies on the integration of immigrants since 2013. The Institute for Employment Research (IAB) is an agency of the Federal Employment Agency (BA).

The study is available at: https://doku.iab.de/forschungsbericht/2025/fb1525.pdf