Foreign Workers Leaving Germany in Droves: Why Are They Going?

A study by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) has shed light on why many skilled foreign workers are choosing to leave Germany. The findings suggest that while attracting international talent is one challenge, retaining them is an entirely different struggle. Researcher Laura Goner stated, ‘Anyone who wants to manage immigration successfully must also understand why people leave. The point is to keep them here long-term through fair opportunities, reliable procedures, and adequate support.’ The IAB surveyed immigrants aged 18 to 65 who had moved to Germany and subsequently left. The study concluded that emigration is rarely due to a single factor. Family reasons often top the list, but experiences of discrimination and systemic barriers also play a significant role. Many cited bureaucratic hurdles, such as lengthy citizenship procedures, visa issues, and the non-recognition of foreign qualifications, as decisive factors. Additionally, a lack of support for career development and language acquisition contributed to their decision to leave. Around 60 per cent of those who left returned to their home countries, while 40 per cent moved to a third country, with Spain, Switzerland, Italy, and Croatia being the most popular destinations. Yuliya Kosyakova, head of the IAB’s Migration Research Division, noted, ‘We are competing with other European countries for skilled workers.’ The study found that those who emigrated tended to be younger, had lived in Germany for a shorter period, and often had partners or children living abroad. They typically had weaker German language skills but stronger English proficiency. Tilman Frank, chairman of the International Recruitment Association, who has helped place thousands of foreign nurses and early childhood educators in Germany, confirmed that language is the key to integration. He warned that recruitment drives often fail when candidates are poorly selected or receive inadequate language support before arrival. Frank also pointed to a mismatch in job placements, where qualified hospital nurses are assigned to basic care roles in nursing homes without proper explanation, prompting them to leave. He highlighted that bureaucratic chaos remains a major deterrent, with his company maintaining a long list of administrative errors, including contradictory visa decisions sent by different officials. Frank urged the government to support language learning in the workers’ home countries, arguing that international students who study in English often fail to find jobs afterwards due to the language barrier. Despite these issues, Frank sees some positive developments. The Federal Employment Agency has implemented a faster, centralised system, and the state of Hesse is establishing a central immigration office. The federal government is also planning a ‘Work and Stay’ agency to better support foreign workers. However, he cautioned that chronic staff shortages in administrative offices continue to hinder progress.