Study Reveals One in Five Germans Consider Emigration Amid Quality of Life and Discrimination Concerns

A recent study by the German Centre for Integration and Migration Research (DeZIM) has found that 21% of people living in Germany are contemplating emigration. The survey, conducted over the past year among nearly 3,000 respondents, highlights a notable divergence between immigrant and non-immigrant populations. While 17% of native Germans are considering leaving, the figures rise to 34% among immigrants and 37% among their descendants. Particularly, 39% of individuals with family ties to Turkey, the Middle East, and North Africa are thinking about emigration.

Quality of life remains the primary motivation, with over half of all respondents hoping for better living conditions abroad. Experiences of discrimination also weigh heavily, cited by 18% of immigrants and 24% of their descendants as a reason for the desire to leave. Despite these sentiments, only 2% have definitive plans to emigrate within the coming year. Official statistics from 2024 indicate that approximately 1.2 million people departed Germany.

This study sheds light on a commonly overlooked issue in German discourse, which often emphasizes immigration rather than examining the emigration of its residents—an important factor amid demographic shifts and labor shortages. The findings underscore the complexity of Germany's population dynamics and the need for policies addressing both integration and the retention of residents.