Immigrants in Germany Weigh Leaving Due to ⁣Discrimination, Economic Concerns

Updated June 25, 2025
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A recent study suggests a concerning trend: a significant portion of immigrants in Germany are contemplating leaving the country. The survey reveals that one in four immigrants is considering relocation, with three percent – approximately 300,000 people -⁤ already having concrete departure plans. A survey⁢ of readers revealed feelings of ⁣disillusionment,⁣ frustration, and despair.

The reasons cited by those considering leaving paint⁤ a troubling picture of life in Germany for immigrants.

Discrimination and Racism

Reports of racism‍ and discrimination are a major factor. Many respondents, including long-term residents, say the problem has worsened in recent years.

Elvis, who has worked in Germany for years, described “blatant double standards” in the workplace, saying Germans are more attentive to Germans and show open disdain and disregard to foreigners.

R Palany, a British executive in Munich, reported similar experiences. “Even as a senior executive… I faced overt⁢ and covert discrimination at work,” Palany said, adding that foreigners are tolerated at ‍best and only up to mid-level positions.

rishabh Singh in⁢ Berlin stated, “Germany is a country where racism and discrimination is normalised in society,” a sentiment echoed by ⁢many respondents.

Barriers to Integration

Respondents highlighted the difficulty of feeling accepted in German society.

M.S., a naturalized German who has lived in the country⁢ for 15 years, said, “Despite being here for 15 years with a German-speaking job, I always feel I am still‍ a foreigner and don’t get a feeling ⁣of belonging.”

Ravi Verma, a German citizen who has lived in ‍Munich for 35 years, said that Germany isn’t open enough to accept an Auslander (foreigner) as one of their own, regardless of how much time they have spent there.

Another respondent from Lebanon,living in Karlsruhe,said they have never felt welcomed,able to be themselves,or that Germans would like them to be part of their society.

Selvaraj in Berlin cited the “resurgence of the far-right” and a “glass-ceiling” for people who aren’t Biodeutsch (Germans without a⁣ migrant background).

Professor Chris Houlding from Essen noted a “change in attitude” toward foreigners. His wife, ‍who cannot speak German⁢ due to a memory problem, no longer goes out due to racial abuse.

In Search of Work

Many respondents cited the‍ prospect of better ⁤job opportunities elsewhere as a reason for leaving.

Nicolas, ⁢an ⁢Italian living in Berlin, pointed to stagnating⁢ wages, limited career growth, and discrimination against non-Germans.He said the cost of living is increasing,while ⁤salaries‍ are stagnating.

An anonymous correspondent cited a “lack of job opportunities despite the so-called labor shortage, ‍particularly for qualified people,” adding that fluency in German is frequently enough a requirement, even for international roles.

Bureaucracy and Living Costs

Respondents felt that⁢ obstacles to living a good life in Germany have become ⁤unmanageable.

A senior software engineer from Cologne described integration as a nightmare as ‍highly⁣ skilled‍ immigrants aren’t given enough support,citing ‍intricate processes.

High levels of⁤ taxation and healthcare issues were also concerns.

A correspondent from Stuttgart said that despite paying thousands of euros for health insurance, it’s a nightmare to find an ⁣appointment.

Retirement plans also ‍featured prominently. Joseph W. in Berlin said that retirement in Germany is expensive and living on⁤ investments without an income is hard.

A correspondent in Bremen,⁢ who arrived six years ago, said that the pension they receive may not be sufficient and⁣ they may have to move to a cheaper country.

A Call for Change

Some respondents cited family needs as a reason for leaving.

One‍ respondent said they left due to schools,as their son has⁢ special needs that were a nightmare to manage in⁢ Germany.

An American correspondent ⁤in Berlin said they may move to where their mother can be, as she may need help in old age and cannot join⁢ them in germany.

Sk Rashed, a German citizen⁢ in Munich, said they lost their⁢ father last year and cannot bring their mother, a cancer patient, ⁣to Germany‍ for the long term.

Suresh Kumar in Hannover simply misses their family and friends.

Sad to Leave

Many respondents expressed regret and sadness at feeling forced to leave a country they had once hoped to call home due to racism, bureaucratic⁣ hurdles, anti-family immigration policies, and the rising cost of living.

There are also widespread fears that the situation will worsen due to the⁤ rise ⁢of the AfD and⁤ the possibility of military conflict.

Many feel that sincere efforts to integrate have been rejected, leading some to conclude that the barriers ⁣to making a permanent⁢ home in Germany are ⁤to great.

An international student ‍based in NRW said they will work for a few years in Germany,get the passport,and then ⁣leave for Dubai due⁣ to high taxes,no‍ social life,unemployment,hidden discrimination,and lack of support.

The survey responses‍ helped inform⁢ this article.

What’s next

The survey results highlight the need for Germany to address issues of discrimination, integration, and economic opportunity to retain⁣ its ⁢immigrant population. Further policy changes and societal shifts may be necessary‍ to create ⁣a more welcoming and equitable environment for newcomers.