‘We can’t afford it’: EU workers leave Germany despite labour shortage
‘We can’t afford it’: EU workers leave Germany despite labour shortage
Germany’s labor market has long relied on skilled immigration to maintain operations. However, recent findings from a Labour Ministry study hint at a growing trend: EU workers who relocated for improved employment and higher wages are increasingly opting to leave, raising concerns about the nation’s ability to sustain its chronic workforce gaps.
Integration Challenges Highlighted
Natalie Pawlik, the Federal Government Commissioner for Integration, emphasized the urgency of the situation during a speech in Berlin. “We cannot afford to lose a third of EU citizens due to poor conditions,” she stated, referencing a report from the EU Equal Treatment Office that investigates the reasons behind EU nationals’ departure.
“We cannot afford to lose a third of EU citizens due to poor conditions,” said Natalie Pawlik, the Federal Government Commissioner for Integration.
Despite annual immigration rates of 400,000 to 700,000 people, Germany also faces substantial emigration rates among EU nationals. The study reveals that a large portion of EU migrants depart within the first four years of arrival, indicating that work and living conditions may not be enticing enough to retain them, even from neighboring countries.
Skills Shortages Persist
According to the German Economic Institute (IW), skilled labor shortages remain critical in sectors like healthcare, construction, and public administration. The report from November 2025 estimates over 260,000 unfilled positions in these areas, with healthcare alone accounting for nearly 46,000 vacancies.
“Bottlenecks in the healthcare sector are leading to long waiting times for appointments, while a lack of staff in the construction industry is slowing down residential construction,” said Valeria Quispe, an IW expert.
Though the labor shortage has slightly eased due to a weak economy, this does not signal a permanent solution. “The all-clear for the labor market is not yet here,” Quispe added, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to attract and retain skilled workers.
Migration Trends and National Origins
Immigration to Germany hit its lowest level since 2011 in 2024, though national trends varied. Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, and Croatia saw the most significant declines, with Croatian and Polish migrants decreasing by 30% and 21% respectively. Poland and Bulgaria remained the top sources, followed by Italy, Hungary, and Spain.
Almost three-quarters of EU immigrants arrived from countries that have had full mobility rights for about 10 to 15 years. Romanian, Polish, and Bulgarian nationals accounted for 80% of this group, highlighting their continued role in the migration flow.
Reasons for Departure
Migrants cited several factors for leaving Germany, including high living costs and a sense of disconnection. Qualitative interviews by the EU Equal Treatment Centre revealed that many perceive the country as an “unstable place to live.” Over a third of respondents (38.8%) felt uncomfortable, while nearly half (49.4%) reported workplace discrimination.
Inflexible work schedules, unrecognized qualifications, and limited career advancement were also key issues. Bureaucracy, especially in credential recognition and administrative processes, added to the burden, making settlement more challenging and increasing the likelihood of further migration.
Experts stress that improved integration in both labor and housing markets, paired with a more welcoming cultural approach, is vital to retain workers. This includes supporting non-vocational trainees, encouraging longer employment tenures, and enhancing opportunities for qualified migrants to thrive in their chosen fields.
