Berlin: The German Institute for Labor Market and Occupational Research (IAB) recently reported that a quarter of immigrants, an estimated 2.6 million people, are considering leaving Germany. This highlights the issue of discrimination and victimization faced by foreigners in the country.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fatih Zingal, a lawyer handling cases involving disadvantaged migrants in Germany, noted that migrants' desire to migrate again reflects rising racism. He stated that immigrants often face difficulties adapting to German culture, and the society's inward-looking tendency significantly contributes to this situation.
Zingal explained that immigrants are starting to prefer other European countries due to their social structures. He emphasized the importance of researching potential destinations beforehand to avoid disappointment. He mentioned that even highly educated immigrants might choose to relocate to other countries like Italy, Spain, Canada, or the United States after spending some time in Germany.
Zingal highlighted that racism is a significant factor influencing migrants to leave Germany. He pointed out that the rising support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, nearing 25%, is evident in various social spheres, including government offices and schools. The political climate allows people to express racist attitudes openly, impacting immigrants' experiences.
Germany's need for immigrant workers is crucial, and reverse migration could exert economic pressure. Zingal warned that immigrants face significant challenges settling in Germany, from renting homes to finding jobs. Refugees must exert considerable effort to overcome these barriers, experiencing difficulties even when not directly confronted with racism.
Despite Germany's policy of generally accepting people from all races, Zingal noted that many potential immigrants are choosing other countries like the US and UK over Germany. This trend poses a problem for Germany's economy, as employers struggle to find sufficient staff.
Zingal criticized the inadequate enforcement of laws against racist and discriminatory hate crimes. He emphasized the need for the German government to guarantee immigrants' safety and called out politicians for not speaking against discriminatory practices due to fear of losing votes.
A study by IAB revealed that those considering leaving Germany are primarily highly educated individuals, particularly from sectors like information and communication technology, finance, and health and social services. The intention to leave is not limited to those who came for work but also includes individuals who migrated for education and family reasons.