Migrants Leaving Germany Citing Discrimination

High-Skilled Migrants Rethink Their Future in Germany

Germany has spent years promoting itself as a destination for skilled international talent. However, a growing number of migrants are now choosing to leave, raising questions about how welcoming the country truly is. A recent study conducted by the Institute for Employment Research surveyed 50,000 migrants and found that one in four was considering leaving Germany — especially those who are well-educated, successful, and already integrated. These are the very individuals Germany aims to attract and retain.

The reasons cited for this departure trend include lack of social acceptance, perceived exclusion, and systemic discrimination. Many respondents said they felt that their qualifications and efforts were not recognized equally, even after years of contributing to German society. Family reasons, high taxation, political dissatisfaction, and bureaucratic hurdles were also commonly mentioned.

Individual Stories Reveal Deeper Patterns

Giannis N., a Greek civil engineer, left Germany after 16 years despite a stable career. His decision came after repeated experiences of exclusion and open hostility. When a client refused to pay a large invoice, stating, “I won’t let you get rich here in Germany,” Giannis recognized a level of resentment he could no longer tolerate. Though deeply integrated professionally, he was always seen through the lens of his nationality.

Kalina Velikova, a Bulgarian project manager, faced similar difficulties despite speaking perfect German. She described a persistent social coldness and emotional distance during her nine years in Bonn. Eventually, the sense of isolation outweighed the economic advantages of staying. She now lives in Sofia, where she feels more connected, even with lower pay and longer hours.

For Utku Sen, a Turkish cybersecurity engineer, the turning point came after three years in Berlin. He described his life in Germany as like being invisible. Despite his qualifications, he felt like an outsider. After posting a viral video on discrimination, he moved to London, where he now feels fully accepted. Being able to live in English and the openness of British society helped him feel a sense of belonging.

Bureaucratic and Institutional Discrimination Remains Unchecked

Recent surveys add further weight to these accounts. A nationwide study commissioned by the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency revealed that 19 percent of respondents had experienced unequal treatment by public institutions. Among people with a migration background, this figure rose to 33 percent. Those with disabilities or chronic illnesses reported similar numbers.

The issue is not limited to local administration. The study found discrimination occurring across multiple levels — including job centers, police interactions, and even universities. However, under current legislation, people have limited options for legal recourse. Germany’s General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) only applies to private workplaces and services. It does not protect against discrimination by public authorities.

Ferda Ataman, the Federal Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination, strongly criticized this legal gap. She noted that while customers are protected from discrimination in bakeries or shops, there is no comparable safeguard when interacting with government agencies. “The state should be a role model,” she said, warning that the current legal framework leaves affected individuals powerless.

Call for Legal Reform and Structural Change

Ataman has called for the expansion of the AGG to include all federal public institutions, such as the Federal Employment Agency, the German Pension Insurance, and the Federal Police. She also supports the creation of independent complaint offices and urges the German states to pass their own anti-discrimination laws. So far, only Berlin has implemented such a law. Countries like France, Austria, and the Netherlands already provide better protections in this area.

The demand for reform is also supported by data showing a sharp increase in complaints. Over the past five years, the number of inquiries to the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency about unfair treatment by authorities has doubled.

Tax Policy and Cost of Living Add to the Pressure

Beyond social and institutional challenges, financial pressures also weigh heavily on many migrants. Anastasios Penolidis, a refugee camp field manager, highlighted the difficulties of making ends meet, even with two full-time incomes in the household. He criticized the high tax rates imposed on single individuals without children, calling them unfair and discouraging.

For Penolidis and others, the financial strain is compounded by subtle but persistent racism and lack of recognition. He now contemplates returning to Greece unless significant change occurs. His experience points to a broader problem: integration policies focused only on employment or language skills fall short if the society itself does not evolve.

Rising Tensions Reflect Broader Societal Shifts

The environment for migrants in Germany is further complicated by rising political tensions. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) made significant gains in the February 2025 federal election, becoming the second-largest party in parliament. Their campaign leveraged public fears about migration, particularly concerns over housing shortages, school overcrowding, and pressure on the welfare system.

A separate study by the Bertelsmann Foundation in 2024 confirmed that negative perceptions of immigration are increasing among the general population. The result is a growing divide between government efforts to attract skilled workers and the public’s willingness to accept them.

Germany at a Crossroads

Experts warn that Germany must make critical changes if it hopes to remain attractive to international talent. Language skills, job offers, and legal residence are not enough. Migrants need to feel seen, respected, and protected — not only by law but by society as a whole.

Structural changes to anti-discrimination laws, reduced bureaucracy, fairer tax policies, and proactive public education could help reverse the trend of disillusionment. But unless these changes happen soon, more skilled workers may quietly choose to leave, taking their expertise with them.