Why do immigrant workers leave Germany after arriving there?

Bureaucracy, language barriers, and family reasons lead many immigrants to leave Germany shortly after their arrival. A study by the Institute for Labor Market and Employment Research (IAB) sheds light on the reasons behind this phenomenon.

“Anyone who wants to succeed with their immigration policy must also understand emigration,” said Laura Gossner, a researcher in migration and international labor at the IAB, at a press conference in Berlin. The institute conducted an online survey of people aged 18 to 65 who immigrated to Germany before April 2025 and then chose to leave, in order to identify the key factors behind this departure.

The typical profile of an emigrant is becoming clear: younger than average, having lived in Germany for a shorter time, and with a partner or children remaining abroad. Their German language skills are often limited, but their English is generally good. Approximately 60% of these individuals return to their country of origin; the remaining 40% head to other European destinations, particularly Spain, Switzerland, Italy, or Croatia.

Bureaucracy is among the most frequently cited grievances. Processing times for naturalization applications, residence permits, visas, and the recognition of foreign qualifications are considered excessively long. High administrative fees and a lack of support for career development, whether from employment agencies, local authorities, or employers, also fuel frustration. These obstacles complicate long-term planning and undermine a sense of belonging, according to Gossner: "When procedures are perceived as lengthy, confusing, or difficult to access, it can weigh on the prospects of staying."

Language is another crucial factor. Tilman Frank, president of the BVIFG, the German Federal Association for the International Recruitment of Skilled Workers, and managing director of TalentOrange GmbH, a company that has supported thousands of healthcare and early childhood professionals in Germany, states it unequivocally: “If German language learning is not sufficiently supported from the outset, the likelihood of these individuals returning home is relatively high. Conversely, for those who are well-prepared for life in Germany, retention rates are very high.”

Frank points out that nationals from Kenya, India, and Vietnam have made significant efforts to integrate. The Kenyan Ministry of Labour actively encourages unemployed youth to seek opportunities abroad, while in India and Vietnam, many parents consider vocational training in Germany particularly attractive for their children. Demand for foreign workers remains especially strong in the elderly care sector.

Another reason for leaving is the mismatch between immigrants' qualifications and the jobs offered to them. "People trained in acute hospital care in their country may find themselves working in nursing homes in Germany, without this having been clearly communicated to them beforehand," explains Frank.

Faced with these observations, initiatives are emerging. The Federal Employment Agency has implemented a centralized system deemed faster and more reliable. The state of Hesse is creating a central immigration authority, and a federal "Work and Stay" agency project is under consideration. However, staff shortages in public administrations are still hindering the system, and digitalization is progressing slowly, driven by disparate initiatives from the states and municipalities. "What's still missing is a comprehensive national solution," Frank concludes.