As revealed by a recent survey on discrimination faced by foreign workers, foreign workers considering Germany as their employment destination may encounter more discrimination than expected. Despite these challenges, Germany continues to allure many skilled workers from around the globe.
According to an OECD survey, Germany remains attractive to highly qualified individuals seeking work abroad. However, many foreign workers in Germany experience daily racism and discrimination.
Commencing in August 2022, the survey tracked the professional trajectories of nearly 30,000 highly skilled individuals interested in pursuing careers in Germany. A year later, only approximately 5% of respondents actually relocated to Germany.
Among those who made the move, over half reported encountering discrimination in housing matters, particularly in renting or purchasing accommodations. Additionally, 37% of respondents experienced discriminatory incidents in restaurants or shops.
Instances of discrimination were less prevalent in dealings with schools, public authorities (except immigration offices), and the workplace. However, about 15% reported facing discriminatory incidents by law enforcement, while 28% encountered it in their professional environments.
Early engagement with German employers and proficiency in the German language were often credited for the successful migration to Germany. Approximately half of the migrants worked in the IT or engineering sectors, with another 10% employed in healthcare.
For individuals still considering migration to Germany, the survey highlighted complaints regarding complex visa procedures and extended waiting periods. Fear of discrimination also emerged as a significant deterrent.
Despite the hurdles, Germany’s allure for skilled workers remains strong, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address discrimination and streamline immigration processes.