Migration: More Germans view immigration with skepticism

Study by the Bertelsmann Foundation
More Germans view migration with skepticism – but the welcoming culture remains intact

According to a survey, skepticism towards immigration and concerns about negative consequences have increased significantly in view of the increasing number of refugees and difficult conditions such as the energy crisis and inflation. Many people are increasingly concerned about additional costs for the welfare state, problems in schools and a housing shortage Germany, according to a study published on Tuesday by the Bertelsmann Foundation. It also revealed that the willingness to accept refugees has fallen significantly. Last October, the Verian Institute surveyed a representative sample of around 2,000 people aged 14 and over for the “Culture of Welcome in Times of Crisis” analysis.

Study: Skepticism towards migration is increasing – 60 percent see the limit has been reached

In 2021, only 36 percent of those surveyed said that Germany could no longer accept refugees because it was at its limit, but now 60 percent were of this opinion. This current value is approximately at the level of 2017, when, due to the increased number of refugees at the time, 54 percent believed that they could no longer accept more refugees. Study author Ulrike Wieland told the German Press Agency that this should not be interpreted as a rejection of immigrants. “The sharply increased concerns relate to the systemic capacities” – revolved around the question of whether successful reception and integration could be managed with the existing economic and social possibilities.

Around 78 percent of those surveyed expect additional costs for the welfare state due to immigration, 74 percent fear a housing shortage in metropolitan areas and 73 percent fear conflicts between locals and immigrants. 71 percent are worried about problems in schools. The values ​​are higher than in 2021 and 2019. Last autumn, 27 percent shared the view that refugees are temporary guests whose integration Germany should not make any effort – in 2021, 20 percent agreed with this statement.

At the same time, a majority believes that immigrants are very or somewhat welcomed in this country. However, there is a distinction: towards immigrants who come for work or for educational purposes, 73 percent of those surveyed perceive such an open attitude among the local population and 78 percent on the part of the municipalities. Nationwide, however, only 53 percent of the local population and 67 percent of the municipalities see this welcoming attitude towards refugees. In East Germany, only about one in three (37 percent) think that refugees are very or somewhat welcomed by the local population.

Attitudes vary by age, location and education

Positive consequences are also seen – albeit with a somewhat decreasing trend. 63 percent believe that immigration is important for the establishment of international companies and 62 percent believe that this means that Germany is becoming less aging. 61 percent say immigration makes life more interesting. Only 47 percent see migration as a compensation for the shortage of skilled workers and 38 percent as a plus for pension insurance.

“East Germans are more skeptical about immigration, but reservations have also grown in West Germany,” the analysis concludes. Young people up to the age of 29 viewed immigration more optimistically. Higher educated people with a high school diploma or university degree are more likely to perceive the advantages of migration. And 46 percent of those with higher education say that more refugees can and should be accepted – but only 29 percent of other educational groups.

What do the results mean?

The admission of war refugees from Ukraine, a renewed increase in the number of asylum seekers from many countries and economic crisis situations have led to an “impression of collective exhaustion and excessive demands” from which the right-wing populist AfD was able to benefit. However, the foundation’s integration expert sees “a foundation of a robust welcoming culture.” This was also shown by the demonstrations of many thousands of people for solidarity and democracy and against the right that have been going on for months, which have now also given the AfD headwind, says Wieland.

According to the Federal Office for Migration, 329,120 people in Germany – primarily from Syria, Turkey and Afghanistan – applied for asylum for the first time in 2023. That was around 50 percent more initial applications than in 2022. As a result of the Russian war of aggression, around 1.14 million refugees from Ukraine are currently living in this country. A federal-state meeting on asylum policy with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is planned for this Wednesday.

What measures are required?

Immigration must be better managed through improved international cooperation, warns Wieland. Three quarters of those surveyed believe that a number of refugees should be determined for each EU country, depending on the economic strength and size of the country. Refugee policy has been a contentious issue in Europe for many years.

Politicians must invest where the greatest pressure has built up – in the social system, on the housing market, in schools, demands the foundation. There is a need for better labor market opportunities for immigrants. Around 87 percent of those surveyed believe that the state should ensure that refugees in this country are able to work quickly. Wieland emphasizes that only with a culture of welcome can one successfully integrate refugees into working life and keep international skilled workers in the country in the long term.

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DPA