Germany Sees Decline in Immigration and Rising Naturalization Amid Human Rights Concerns in 2024

Germany experienced a notable decrease in immigration flows in 2024, with total immigration declining by 12.3% to approximately 1.69 million people, according to the latest Migration Report. Concurrently, about 1.26 million people left Germany, resulting in a net migration balance of around 430,000—a drop of more than one-third compared to 2023.

The largest immigrant group originated from Ukraine, registering 221,570 new arrivals, representing 13.1% of total immigration. However, migration from other European countries such as Romania, Poland, and Bulgaria declined, with these countries experiencing a negative migration balance for the first time since their EU accession. Occupational migration from non-EU countries also fell by 25% to roughly 54,600, despite a 9% rise in work-related visas granted, totaling about 172,400. Asylum applications decreased sharply by 30.2% to 229,751, with the largest asylum seeker groups coming from Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkey. Germany and Spain recorded the highest number of asylum applications within the EU; Germany alone saw a 28.7% reduction.

Meanwhile, naturalizations surged to 292,020 in 2024, marking a 45.9% increase over the previous year. This historic high was influenced by reforms to the Nationality Act, which lowered the minimum residence requirement for citizenship from eight to five years.

Alongside these migration statistics, Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report criticizing the deteriorating conditions for migrants in Germany. The report highlights global human rights challenges and accuses Germany of lacking credibility regarding the Middle East conflict. These concerns coincide with a domestic debate on the public portrayal of migrants, spurred by Chancellor Friedrich Merz's comments on urban image. Teffera, an observer, cautioned against stigmatizing migrants as societal problems, emphasizing recognition for those who contribute positively through hard work.

Overall, 2024 reflects a complex migration and integration landscape in Germany—marked by declining immigration numbers, increased naturalization rates, and intensified scrutiny of migrant rights amid wider geopolitical tensions.