The German Institute for Labour Market and Occupational Research (IAB) recently revealed that about one in four immigrants in Germany—around 2.6 million people—are thinking about leaving the country. This raises concerns about discrimination and mistreatment faced by foreigners living in Germany.
Fatih Zingal, a lawyer who handles cases for disadvantaged migrants, told Anadolu that this trend shows growing racism in Germany. He said many immigrants want to move either to another European country or back to their home countries. Zingal pointed out that new arrivals often struggle to adjust to German culture, partly because German society tends to be inward-looking.
He explained that some migrants now prefer other European countries. “People coming here should research beforehand; otherwise, they might be disappointed. Even those with higher education may decide to move again after working a year or two,” Zingal said. He added that the quarter thinking of leaving includes those who want to go to Mediterranean countries like Italy and Spain, as well as places like Canada and the United States.
Racism in Germany is a key reason why migrants want to leave. Zingal noted that the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) is nearing 25 percent support. He said this hostility can be felt everywhere—in government offices, schools, and interactions with officials. “When one in four people hold such views, they no longer hide them but express them openly,” he said.
Zingal stressed that Germany needs immigrants to fill jobs across many sectors. If many choose to leave, it will create economic pressure. He warned that immigrants face extra challenges in everyday life, making it harder to settle. “For a refugee, renting a home or a car is ten times harder than for a German. Even with the same salary and conditions, they have to work much harder. This happens even if they do not face direct racism. And this applies to naturalized citizens too—there is no difference,” he said.
While Germany generally accepts people of all races, its immigration policy favors Europeans. Zingal said if potential migrants choose other countries like the US or the UK instead of Germany, it is a serious problem for Europe’s largest economy. Employers already complain about staff shortages.
Zingal also criticized law enforcement for not properly handling racist and hate crimes against immigrants. “The laws may be enough, but they are either not enforced or enforced poorly,” he said. He added that refugees often face verbal and physical attacks, and the government must ensure their safety.
He accused politicians of not speaking out strongly against racism and discrimination because they fear losing votes. “Politicians want to win elections and may cater to the 25 percent who hold these views. When politics shift this way, it creates a problem,” Zingal said.
The IAB study showed that most immigrants planning to leave are highly educated. The highest intention to leave was among workers in information and communication technology at 39 percent, followed by finance at 30 percent, and health and social services at 28 percent. Those considering leaving include not only workers but also migrants who came for education or family reasons.
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