Zitatform

Falkenhain, Mariella (2026): 'I needed this journey': home visits in wartime as transformative events. In: Journal of Refugee Studies, S. 1-15. DOI:10.1093/jrs/feaf088

Abstract

"This article examines how Ukrainian refugees experience wartime home visits. Relying on in-depth, repeated interviews with Ukrainian refugees in Germany, the article explores a state of in-betweenness that characterizes these individuals’ lives shortly after arrival, particularly by disrupting their sense of belonging and capacity to imagine the future. During short-term home visits to Ukraine, the visitors acquire a feel for life in war that is associated with complex feelings of alienation, disillusionment, and futurelessness. This experience helps individuals overcome subjective states of the in-between and move forward in life, irrespective of the persistent structural limbo related to temporary protection. Considering migrant home visits as transformative events advances recent debates about liminality and protracted displacement. It also has important implications for longer-term processes of social inclusion." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Oxford University Press) ((en))

Zitatform

Kanas, Agnieszka, Frank van Tubergen & Yuliya Kosyakova (2026): Determinants of refugees’ generalised and institutional trust: evidence from Germany. In: Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, Jg. 52, H. 1, S. 85-104., 2025-05-28. DOI:10.1080/1369183x.2025.2514800

Abstract

"This paper examines the factors shaping refugees’ institutionalized and generalized trust, focusing on three key influences: (1) pre-arrival migration effects, such as experiences of trauma; (2) asylum procedure effects, including the length and outcome of the process and perceptions of fairness; and (3) post-procedure effects, particularly the context of reception. Using data from the IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees in Germany, we find that the conditions of the asylum process and the reception context are critical determinants of refugees’ trust. Specifically, while the length of the asylum process and living in shared accommodations negatively affect institutional trust, these impacts are largely mediated by other refugee-specific experiences, such as perceptions of procedural and interactional justice. Receiving a positive asylum decision directly enhances refugees ’ trust in German institutions and other people, whereas being trapped in existential limbo severely erodes trust levels. Additionally, refugees subject to residency restrictions exhibit lower institutional and generalized trust levels than those without such limitations. These findings highlight the critical role of short and fair asylum procedures and inclusive reception policies in fostering trust among refugees, with significant implications for improving integration outcomes and social cohesion." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Silva, Bárbara G., Nicholas C. Andriese & James G. Combs (2026): Return Migrant Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Review and Future Research Agenda. In: Entrepreneurship theory and practice, Jg. 50, H. 1, S. 115-149. DOI:10.1177/10422587251322402

Abstract

"Why do migrants return home and start businesses? Research on this multistage phenomenon—that is, return followed by entrepreneurship—is fragmented, reflecting different scholarly approaches and reasons migrants return and start businesses (or not). We systematically review 80 papers addressing aspects of returnee entrepreneurship and organize findings into a two-stage process model grounded in three levels of analysis—institutional, social, and individual. Our model contributes by providing a parsimonious way to understand returnee entrepreneurship and describe what has been learned. We also contribute a research agenda to help entrepreneurship scholars leverage what is known about entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial processes to address critical unanswered questions." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Adunts, Davit & Ehsan Vallizadeh (2025): Potential and temporariness of EU migration: the experience of Germany. In: M. Akgüç & W. Zwysen (Hrsg.) (2025): Moving under the radar. Ongoing challenges for short-term intra-EU mobility, S. 111-123.

Abstract

"This chapter studies the selection and sorting of EU migrants to and migration decisions within Germany in two steps. First, it investigates, with the aid of Gallup World Poll (GWP) data, the composition and characteristics of potential migrants from EU countries to Germany. Second, it uses the household survey, the IAB-SOEP Migration Sample to analyse the determinants of the migration decisions of those individuals who have already migrated to Germany. Empirical analysis of the driving factors behind migration selection reveals several interesting insights. First, migration selection among individuals who wish to migrate to Germany is driven by common factors such as economic prospects and sociodemographic features. There is a negative and significant relationship between the migration intentions of potential migrants, from both EU and non-EU countries, with regard to labour market conditions as well as perceptions of future economic conditions and living standards in the home country. Second, migration propensity to Germany is significantly lower among potential female migrants. Third, there is regional heterogeneity regarding migration selection. Potential migrants from EU countries to Germany are negatively selected in terms of educational attainment while potential migrants from non-EU countries are positively selected compared to the population in the home country. This latter finding confirms the role of migration policy in influencing migrant selection, especially for third country nationals. However, it is important to note that average education levels differ dramatically between individuals from EU and non-EU origin countries, and that potential migrants from EU countries are, on average, better educated compared to potential migrants from non-EU countries even though the latter group is more positively selected in education. The chapter also examines the sorting pattern of potential migrants in terms of their educational attainment and relative income across the top EU destination countries. Germany is at least as attractive to tertiary-educated potential migrants from non-EU states as other top EU destinations. The major exception is Scandinavian countries, which are significantly more attractive to this group compared to Germany. For potential migrants from other EU countries, Germany is, on average, less attractive to migrants with tertiary education, especially those from EU8 countries. For western European Member States countries, only the United Kingdom (UK) – which is no longer an EU Member State since 2020 – is significantly more attractive to tertiary[1]educated potential migrants than Germany. Finally, micro analysis of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and the temporariness of migration provides another set of insights. There is a negative and significant relationship between family structure and temporary migration decisions among EU migrants in Germany. Specifically, EU nationals with children aged 16 or younger are more likely to stay permanently in Germany compared to those without children. Temporary migration decisions are also negatively linked to duration of stay in Germany. This finding is consistent with the prediction that such decisions happen within the first few years after arrival (Dustmann and Görlach 2016). The temporariness of migration is also related to educational attainment and job skill requirements. For example, high-skilled migrants are about six percentage points more likely to stay temporarily in Germany compared to low-skilled ones. These findings confirm the hypothesis that the temporariness of migration varies along the educational distribution and thus may lead to a selection effect of migration (Dustmann and Görlach 2016)." (Text excerpt, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Akcan, Ahmet Tayfur, İdris Yagmur, Murat Ergül & Ali Rauf Karataş (2025): Analysis of unemployment hysteresis of country groups for migration policy: PANIC fourier evidence. In: Comparative Migration Studies, Jg. 13. DOI:10.1186/s40878-025-00467-7

Abstract

"One of the most important reasons for international migration is unemployment, along with economic concerns. Domestic and international migration movements generally take place from regions with high unemployment to the regions where unemployment is low. Therefore, analyzing the labor market is important for predicting and directing migration movements. The World Bank grouping of countries includes 47 country groups according to their geographical and income status. In our study, the unemployment hysteresis of 48 groups, which includes the average of these 47 country groups and the world in general, has been analyzed. For the analysis of the unemployment hysteresis, six different variables were used: total unemployment rate, female unemployment rate, male unemployment rate, youth unemployment rate, youth female unemployment rate, and youth male unemployment rate. For analysis of unemployment hysteresis, the Fourier PANIC panel unit root test, which entered the literature in 2023, was used. Significant results were obtained for country groups. The results of the analysis show that the unemployment hysteresis is valid for total unemployment worldwide, while the natural rate hypothesis is prominent for youth and young males. While hysteresis is observed in total and male unemployment in low- and middle-income countries, the natural rate hypothesis is generally valid in high-income countries; however, hysteresis persists in female unemployment. Therefore, at the global level, encouraging controlled and need-driven migration movements from regions where the unemployment hysteresis is valid to regions where the natural rate hypothesis is valid, can contribute to reducing imbalances in labor markets. At the national level, selective labor transfer policies, taking into account labor market needs, can be implemented from regions with high unemployment hysteresis." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Bassetto, Jacopo & Teresa Freitas Monteiro (2025): Immigrants Return Intentions and Labor Market Behavior When the Home Country is Unsafe. In: Journal of labor economics, S. 1-52. DOI:10.1086/739054

Abstract

"This paper investigates whether shocks to safety conditions in the home country affect immigrants’ return intentions and labor market behavior. For identification, we exploit the quasi-random occurrence of violent events in the home-country relative to the timing of interviews and job separations in Germany. We show that immigrants interviewed after a violent event in their home-country are more likely to wish to remain in Germany permanently. If immigrants enter unemployment following a violent event in their home-country, they increase their job search effort and find employment faster, at the cost of accepting lower wages and working in less productive firms." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Bijwaard, Govert E. & Christian Schluter (2025): Interdependent hazards, local interactions and the return decision of recent migrants. In: Spatial Economic Analysis, S. 1-21. DOI:10.1080/17421772.2025.2530498

Abstract

"We propose a new statistical model of spatially interdependent hazards in order to examine whether interactions at the level of the neighborhood are present. To address the endogeneity of location choices, we also implement a weighting scheme that combines insights from inverse propensity score weighting and Bartik-shift-share instrumentation. The good performance of our approach is demonstrated in a Monte Carlo study. In our empirical application a unique large administrative dataset of recent Turkish labor immigrants to The Netherlands is used. We find a positive spatial interaction parameter and show that the local spatial multipliers are substantial." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Bruzelius, Cecilia & Lea Reiß (2025): Please come back! How and why European governments try to reattract emigrated citizens. In: Comparative Migration Studies, Jg. 13, H. 1. DOI:10.1186/s40878-025-00421-7

Abstract

"Many EU Member States have adopted emigrant return policies (ERPs) meant to encourage and assist emigrated citizens’ migration back to their country of origin. Despite the significance of this trend, there is a notable lack of comparative research on the nature of ERPs and explanations for their introduction. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of ERPs across all EU countries that have introduced such policies in the past two decades (2004–2023) – including 17 countries and 81 policies. We examine policy instruments, target groups, policy justifications, and the political contexts associated with the introduction of ERPs. Our analysis reveals that ERPs are largely symbolic in substance – although the use of more costlyeconomic tools increased towards the end of the analysed period –, primarily targeting the young and highly skilled, and justified predominantly in relation to the economy. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ERPs are often introduced for political reasons: while many of these policies are likely to be ineffective in shaping migration, they have been adopted in contexts where emigration and/or related issues were salient to showcase action on a highly complex policy issue. The study covers new empirical ground regarding how and why EU Member States govern migration within a free movement space and the understudied politics of emigration and return." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Brücker, Herbert, Andreas Hauptmann & Sekou Keita (2025): Zuwanderungsmonitor Juli. (Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung. Aktuelle Daten und Indikatoren), Nürnberg, 8 S. DOI:10.48720/IAB.ZM.2507

Abstract

"Die ausländische Bevölkerung in Deutschland ist nach Angaben des Ausländerzentralregisters im Juni 2025 gegenüber dem Vormonat um rund 5.000 Personen gesunken. - Die Beschäftigungsquote der ausländischen Bevölkerung betrug im Mai 2025 56,8 Prozent und ist damit im Vergleich zum Vorjahresmonat um 1,9 Prozentpunkte gestiegen. - Die absolute Zahl der Arbeitslosen mit einer ausländischen Staatsangehörigkeit hat im Juli 2025 gegenüber dem Vorjahresmonat um rund 40.000 Personen zugenommen. Dies entspricht einem Anstieg von 3,9 Prozent. - Die Arbeitslosenquote der ausländischen Bevölkerung lag im Mai 2025 bei 15,0 Prozent und ist im Vergleich zum Vorjahresmonat um 0,2 Prozentpunkte gestiegen. - Die SGB-II-Hilfequote der ausländischen Bevölkerung lag im April 2025 bei 20,2 Prozent und ist gegenüber dem Vorjahresmonat um 0,9 Prozentpunkte gesunken. - Unter den ausländischen Staatsangehörigen belief sich die Beschäftigungsquote von Frauen im Januar 2025 auf 49,1 Prozent und von Männern auf 60,2 Prozent. Die Beschäftigungsquote von Frauen mit ausländischer Staatsangehörigkeit ist damit im Vergleich zum Vorjahresmonat um 1,8 Prozentpunkte gestiegen, die von Männern um 1,7 Prozentpunkte." (Textauszug, IAB-Doku)

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Buch, Tanja, Carola Burkert, Stefan Hell, Annekatrin Niebuhr & Anette Haas (2025): Do xenophobic attitudes influence migrant workers’ regional location choice? In: PLoS ONE, Jg. 20, H. 2, 2024-12-16. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0316627

Abstract

"This paper investigates whether xenophobic attitudes, as measured by the regional share of votes for right-wing parties and xenophobic violence, affect migrants’ choices of where to live in Germany. We use a unique panel data set for the period 2004 to 2017 and apply fixed effects regression models and instrumental variable estimation to examine the relationship between anti-immigrant attitudes and immigration. Our results indicate that xenophobic attitudes tend to reduce regional labour immigration. However, evidence seems to be more robust for the support of right-wing parties than for xenophobic violence. Regarding heterogeneous effects across skill groups, the findings are ambiguous. While the immigration of skilled workers seems to be more sensitive to xenophobic violence, evidence is more robust for the share of right-wing votes in the case of low-skilled foreign workers. The strength of the adverse effect of anti-immigrant attitudes tends to increase with the local size of the coethnic community." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © PLoS ONE) ((en))

Zitatform

Debray, Alix, Ilse Ruyssen & Kerilyn Schewel (2025): The Aspiration to Stay: A Global Analysis. In: International migration review, Jg. 59, H. 3, S. 1385-1431. DOI:10.1177/01979183231216087

Abstract

"There is growing interest from both policy and academic communities in understanding why people do not migrate. This article offers the first global analysis of the aspiration to stay, defined here as the preference to stay in one's country of residence. We make use of the unique Gallup World Polls which provide information on aspirations to stay (as opposed to migrating abroad) as well as on individual characteristics and opinions for 130 countries worldwide between 2010 and 2016. We find staying aspirations are far more common than migration aspirations across the globe and uncover important “retain factors” often overlooked in research on migration drivers — related to social ties, local amenities, trust in community institutions, and life satisfaction. Overall, those who aspire to stay tend to be more content, socially supported and live in communities with stronger institutions and better local amenities. We further explore differences in the relative importance of retain factors for countries at different levels of urbanization, and for different population groups, based on gender, education, rural/urban location, migration history, religiosity, and perceived thriving. Our findings contribute to a more holistic understanding of migration decision-making, illuminating the personal, social, economic, and institutional retain factors countering those that push and pull." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Erlinghagen, Marcel & Lisa Mansfeld (2025): Aus- und Rückwanderung deutscher Arbeitskräfte. Droht eine Verschärfung des Fachkräftemangels? In: WSI-Mitteilungen, Jg. 78, H. 4, S. 304-311. DOI:10.5771/0342-300x-2025-4-304

Abstract

"Auf Basis der Daten der German Emigration and Remigration Panel Study (GERPS) untersucht der Beitrag Ausmaß und Folgen der internationalen Migration deutscher Arbeitskräfte. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass es kaum zu dauerhaften Verlusten kommt, sondern die Abwanderung deutscher Fachkräfte ins Ausland vielfach ein temporäres Phänomen ist. Die allermeisten Ausgewanderten kommen nach einigen Jahren zurück. Diese zirkuläre Migration geht häufig einher mit verbesserten Arbeitsbedingungen (Lohn, Aufstiegschancen, Autonomie) im Ausland ebenso wie nach der Rückkehr nach Deutschland. Es ist davon auszugehen, dass die Rückgewanderten neues Wissen und neue Fertigkeiten mit nach Deutschland bringen, wovon auch und gerade Unternehmen profitieren sollten. Allerdings kommt es insgesamt zu einem Nettoverlust von Arbeitskräften, der sich für einzelne Berufsgruppen unterschiedlich darstellt. Gleichwohl ist gemessen am Gesamtvolumen der Berufsgruppen dieser Verlust von untergeordneter Bedeutung. Hier gilt es, in Zukunft stärker die Abwanderung ausländischer Fachkräfte in den Blick der Forschung und des politischen Interesses zu rücken, die quantitativ wesentlich bedeutsamer sein dürfte." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Foschi, Andrea, Christopher House, Christian Proebsting & Linda Tesar (2025): Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Response of Labor Migration to Economic Shocks. (NBER working paper / National Bureau of Economic Research 33755), Cambridge, Mass, 41 S.

Abstract

"We examine the responsiveness of labor participation, unemployment and labor migration to exogenous variations in labor demand. Our empirical approach considers four instruments for regional labor demand commonly used in the literature. Empirically, we find that labor migration is a significant margin of adjustment for all our instruments. Following an increase in regional labor demand, the initial increase in employment is accounted for mainly through a reduction in unemployment. Over time however, net labor in-migration becomes the dominant factor contributing to increased regional employment. After 5 years, roughly 60 percent of the increase in employment is explained by the change in population. Responses of labor migration are strongest for individuals aged 20-35. Based on historical data back to the 1950s, we find no evidence of a decline in the elasticity of migration to changes in employment." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Gasperini, Michela, Daniela Cinova, Carly Petracco, Matthew Geraci, Margaux Truc & Giovanni Carletti (2025): Annual report on intra-EU labour mobility. 2024 edition. (... annual report on intra-EU labour mobility / European Commission), Luxembourg, 200 S. DOI:10.2767/2077850

Abstract

"This annual report presents updated insights into the labour mobility developments in EU and EFTA countries using data for 2022 and 2023. The analysis encompasses the mobility of all working-age EU citizens (aged 20-64). Chapter 1 delves into the movement and characteristics of the mobile population in the EU and EFTA. Chapter 2 expands on the labour market participation and integration of EU movers. Chapter 3 looks at the social conditions of movers in the EU. Chapter 4 examines the mobility of EU citizens in the healthcare sector." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Hammer, Luisa, Kamal Kassam, Yuliya Kosyakova, Katia Gallegos‑Torres, Lukas Olbrich, Theresa Koch & Simon Wagner (2025): The Downfall of Assad: Syrian Refugees’ Settlement Intentions after the Unexpected Regime Change. (IAB-Discussion Paper 09/2025), Nürnberg, 31 S. DOI:10.48720/IAB.DP.2509

Abstract

"Am 8. Dezember 2024 veränderte der plötzliche Zusammenbruch des Regimes von Bashar al‑Assad die politische Landschaft Syriens und die Rückkehraussichten für Millionen von im Ausland lebenden Syrern abrupt. Wir nutzen diesen unerwarteten Regimewechsel als natürliches Experiment, um die kausalen Auswirkungen der Entwicklungen im Heimatland auf die Ansiedlungs‑und Rückkehrabsichten von Flüchtlingen zu schätzen. Auf der Grundlage neuartiger Umfragedaten aus Deutschland, die nur wenige Tage vor dem Sturz Assads erhoben wurden, stellen wir fest, dass der Zusammenbruch des Regimes die Ansiedlungsabsichten der Syrer in Deutschland erheblich beeinflusste. Befragte, die danach befragt wurden, äußerten eher temporäre Niederlassungsabsichten, gaben eher an, Auswanderungsüberlegungen zu haben, und äußerten eher Unsicherheit über ihre Zukunft in Deutschland. Wir finden jedoch keine Auswirkungen auf konkrete kurzfristige Auswanderungspläne, was darauf hindeutet, dass die erhöhten Rückkehrwünsche eher zukunftsorientierte Absichten als unmittelbare Verhaltensänderungen widerspiegeln. Weitere Analysen zeigen, dass Rechtssicherheit in Deutschland und eine schwächere soziale oder emotionale Integration mit einer stärkeren Präferenz für einen vorübergehenden Aufenthalt korrelieren." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Houwerzijl, Mijke & Imke van Gardingen (2025): Strengthening the rights of posted third-country nationals in their EU Member State of residence and employment. In: Transfer, Jg. 31, H. 1, S. 89-103. DOI:10.1177/10242589251324658

Abstract

"This article questions the trend of admitting third-country nationals to an EU Member State for the purpose of posting them to another EU Member State. The reality of the workers concerned does not match the assumptions underlying the legal regime for intra-EU posting. As a result, it is easier to exploit their labor and their legal immigration status is jeopardized both during and after the posting. This also makes fictitious their ability to exercise rights that depend on this status, such as access to certain social security benefits. The trend of ‘labor immigration for the purpose of posting’ is fueled by a complex and opaque interplay of regulatory frameworks and ambiguous judicial interpretation of key legal criteria for posting. Recent case-law might help to mitigate this trend. Also, a revised EU directive has potential to marginally improve the rights of posted third-country nationals in the EU state where they are admitted. However, we conclude that more thorough measures are needed." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Jacobs, Elizabeth, Tom Theile, Daniela Perrotta, Xinyi Zhao, Athina Anastasiadou & Emilio Zagheni (2025): Global Gender Gaps in the International Migration of Professionals on LinkedIn. In: Population and Development Review, Jg. 51, H. 3, S. 963-994. DOI:10.1111/padr.70012

Abstract

"This paper examines gender differentials in the international migration of professionals, and how this varies by country, industry, age, and years of experience. We leverage data from LinkedIn, the largest professional networking website, to construct Immigrant and Emigrant Gender Gap Indexes (iGGI and eGGI). These indexes measure inflows and potential outflows. The findings indicate that, among LinkedIn users, the global population of immigrant professionals is at gender parity. The professional migrant population is majority-female in key destination countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and France as well as emerging destinations like South Korea and Singapore. Our results show that the mobility of women migrants is driven by industries like finance, healthcare, and real estate. We find evidence of positive selection among women migrant professionals in key destination countries and industries. Our results indicate that men are more open to international relocation than women, suggesting that men express higher migration aspirations, but men and women have similar rates of observed mobility. The paper makes novel contributions to the literature on migration aspirations, behavior, and selectivity. Methodologically, we develop a new dataset and appropriate measures to complement existing sources to study professional migration across a wide range of countries." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Kosyakova, Yuliya & Enzo Weber (2025): Bleiben oder gehen? Das Demografieproblem lässt sich nicht allein durch die Zuwanderung von Fachkräften lösen. Wir müssen auch deren Abwanderung verringern. Denkfabrik. In: Wirtschaftswoche H. 3, S. 38.

Zitatform

Kosyakova, Yuliya, Lukas Olbrich, Katia Gallegos Torres, Luisa Hammer, Theresa Koch & Simon Wagner (2025): Germany as a stopover? Insights into return and International Mobility Panel of Migrants in Germany (IMPa). (IAB-Forschungsbericht 15/2025 (en)), Nürnberg, 92 S. DOI:10.48720/IAB.FB.2515en

Abstract

"Temporary migration of people who have immigrated to Germany is a frequently observed phenomenon, and the trend is rising. Between 2014 and 2023, the average emigration rate among foreign nationals ranged from 6 to 11 percent, depending on the data source. At the same time, Germany requires a net annual immigration of around 400,000 people to stabilize its labor force potential. The high mobility propensity among immigrants can challenge this goal - with far-reaching consequences for securing skilled labor, integration, and the long-term viability of the welfare state. To gain robust insights into the causes, patterns, and effects of mobility, the International Mobility Panel of Migrants in Germany (IMPa) has been established as a new longitudinal online survey. It includes first-time surveys every two years, complemented by annual follow-up surveys over a four-year period. In the first wave (December 2024 to April 2025), around 50,000 immigrants participated. The first follow-up survey is scheduled for the second half of 2025. Using statistical weighting procedures, the data allow for representative statements about individuals in Germany who immigrated by April 2, 2024, are registered in the data of the Federal Employment Agency (e.g. via employment, benefit receipt, or participation in labor market programs), and are in working age (18 to 65 years). Key findings from the first wave indicate: A narrow majority of immigrants (57 percent, roughly 5.7 million people) plan to stay in Germany permanently. Around 1.2 million (12 percent) aim for a temporary stay, and roughly 3 million (30 percent) remain uncertain. About 2.6 million people (26 percent) reported having considered leaving Germany in the last 12 months; approximately 300,000 (3 percent) already have concrete emigration plans - split roughly equally between return migration and onward migration. Given Germany's structural need for skilled labor, the political priority in migration policy is shifting: not only immigration, but also the long-term retention of immigrants is becoming a key challenge. The data reveal that emigration intentions vary widely. Those intending to return primarily target European countries such as Poland or Romania but also Turkey, while onward migrants tend to prefer Switzerland, the United States, or Spain. Motivations also differ: family reasons dominate returns to the country of origin, while economic opportunities play a key role in onward migration. Main reasons for emigration considerations include political dissatisfaction, personal preferences, tax burdens, and bureaucracy. These motives are present among labor migrants, education- and family-based migrants alike; refugees also frequently cite discrimination as a major reason. Overall, the findings suggest that state measures such as reducing bureaucracy, simplifying administrative procedures, and offering tax incentives could help lower emigration intentions. Regarding sociodemographic and migration-specific factors, the IMPa results highlight their central role in shaping emigration intentions. Men report higher rates of temporary stay intentions, emigration considerations, and concrete migration plans than women. Region of origin and reason for migration significantly influence mobility patterns: refugees and individuals with family reunification backgrounds express considerably lower emigration tendencies, while migrants from EU countries and those who came for work or education show higher mobility. Furthermore, immigrants with permanent residence status or EU/German citizenship are more likely to consider leaving - probably due to broader legal mobility options. The IMPa results highlight that labor market factors and economic integration also play a critical but nuanced role in shaping emigration intentions. Education emerges as a key predictor: highly educated individuals more frequently express thoughts of leaving or make concrete plans than those with lower educational levels. Qualifications obtained in Germany or third countries - as well as foreign qualifications recognized in Germany - are more strongly associated with emigration considerations, likely due to their higher international transferability. Employed individuals are more likely to report temporary stay intentions than those who are not employed or are in training. Sectors where the outmigration risk among immigrants is particularly high-such as IT and technical services-are also those facing significant skilled labor shortages. Furthermore, it is notable that in other sectors vulnerable to labor shortages-such as healthcare, construction, public administration, or retail-, emigration tendencies are not above average, but they are still relevant. Higher incomes are also associated with stronger emigration considerations and plans, which indicates that migrants who are particularly well integrated into the labor market want to leave Germany again. Another important factor is job satisfaction: the less satisfied individuals are with their work, the more frequently they express temporary intentions to stay, thoughts of emigration, and concrete emigration plans. Job satisfaction thus acts as a stabilizing factor. Language skills show differentiated effects: while descriptive findings suggest that individuals with poor German skills have lower intentions to stay permanently and higher mobility plans, multivariate analyses indicate that good German skills are associated with increased mobility. Good English skills also tend to increase emigration intentions, likely due to better international labor market options. Social integration and societal participation are also crucial: family ties in Germany and regular contact with German nationals have a stabilizing effect. A strong emotional attachment to Germany stabilizes the intention to stay, whereas a strong connection to the country of origin increases the likelihood of emigration. A strong subjective sense of welcome and low perceptions of discrimination significantly reduce the probability of emigration considerations and plans. Conversely, perceptions of discrimination - especially in interactions with authorities, police, and at the workplace - greatly increases emigration tendencies. Political dissatisfaction also significantly raises the likelihood of emigration-related thoughts and plans. In summary, emigration intentions do not arise randomly but are the result of a complex interplay of individual characteristics, social integration, economic anchoring, and perceived societal acceptance. One of the central findings of the IMPa survey is that those who came to Germany for work or education, better educated, more economically successful, and more linguistically integrated are the ones most likely to consider leaving or already have concrete plans to do so. In other words: those most urgently needed to secure Germany's future labor supply are also those most inclined to leave. This selective mobility endangers the country's long-term ability to retain skilled labor. It is therefore essential to offer this group a meaningful perspective and to position Germany not only as a place of immigration but as a country in which people want to stay and build their future. This includes faster and more transparent recognition of qualifications, a determined reduction of bureaucratic hurdles, family-friendly integration policies, and targeted measures against everyday and workplace discrimination. Only when immigrants feel like fully included members of society - with real opportunities for participation and professional advancement - are they likely to choose Germany as their long-term home and pursue both personal and professional goals here. So far, only about one fifth of those with emigration plans have taken concrete steps towards leaving. At the same time, roughly one fifth express a long-term wish to return to Germany, one third rule it out, and about half remain undecided. This means that around two thirds of those considering emigration are potentially open to returning in the future. Activating and supporting this return potential could become a valuable component of Germany's strategic labor policy." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Kosyakova, Yuliya, Lukas Olbrich, Katia Gallegos Torres, Luisa Hammer, Theresa Koch & Simon Wagner (2025): Deutschland als Zwischenstation? Rückkehr- und Weiterwanderungsabsichten von Eingewanderten im Lichte neuer Daten des International Mobility Panel of Migrants in Germany (IMPa). (IAB-Forschungsbericht 15/2025 (de)), Nürnberg, 95 S. DOI:10.48720/IAB.FB.2515

Abstract

"Temporäre Migration von Menschen, die nach Deutschland eingewandert sind, ist ein häufig wahrgenommenes Phänomen, Tendenz steigend. Zwischen 2014 und 2023 lag die durchschnittliche jährliche Fortzugsrate ausländischer Personen je nach Datenquelle bei 6 bis 11 Prozent. Gleichzeitig ist Deutschland zur Stabilisierung seines Arbeitskräftepotenzials auf eine jährliche Nettozuwanderung von rund 400.000 Personen angewiesen. Eine hohe Mobilitätsneigung unter Eingewanderten kann das Erreichen dieses Ziels gefährden – mit weitreichenden negativen Konsequenzen für Fachkräftesicherung, Integration und die langfristige Tragfähigkeit des Sozialstaats. Um belastbare Erkenntnisse zu Ursachen, Mustern und Auswirkungen von Mobilität zu gewinnen, wurde mit dem International Mobility Panel of Migrants in Germany (IMPa) eine neue längsschnittliche Online-Befragung etabliert. Dabei sollen alle zwei Jahre neue Erstbefragungen stattfinden, ergänzt durch eine jährliche Wiederholungsbefragung über einen Zeitraum von insgesamt vier Jahren. In der ersten Welle (Dezember 2024 bis April 2025) haben rund 50.000 Migranten und Migrantinnen teilgenommen, die erste Wiederholungsbefragung startet in der zweiten Jahreshälfte 2025. Mithilfe statistischer Hochrechnungsverfahren lassen sich repräsentative Aussagen über Personen in Deutschland treffen, die bis zum 2. April 2024 nach Deutschland eingewandert sind, in den Daten der BA erfasst wurden (durch Beschäftigung, Leistungsbezug oder Maßnahmenteilnahme) und im erwerbsfähigen Alter (18 bis 65 Jahre) sind. Zentrale Ergebnisse der ersten Welle zeigen: Eine knappe Mehrheit der Eingewanderten (57 Prozent, rund 5,7 Millionen Personen) plant, dauerhaft in Deutschland zu bleiben. Rund 1,2 Millionen (12 Prozent) streben dagegen nur einen vorübergehenden Aufenthalt an („temporäre Bleibeabsichten“), etwa 3 Millionen (30 Prozent) sind unentschlossen. 2,6 Millionen Personen (26 Prozent) gaben an, im vergangenen Jahr über eine Ausreise nachgedacht zu haben; rund 300.000 (3 Prozent) hegen bereits konkrete Abwanderungspläne – jeweils etwa zur Hälfte in Richtung Herkunftsland oder in ein Drittland. Angesichts des wachsenden strukturellen Fachkräftebedarfs wird also nicht nur der Zuzug, sondern auch die dauerhafte Bindung Zugewanderter wird zur zentralen Herausforderung. Die Befunde zeigen, dass sich die konkreten Wanderungsabsichten stark von Gruppe zu Gruppe unterscheiden. Rückkehrwillige steuern vor allem europäische Länder wie Polen oder Rumänien an, während Weiterwandernde insbesondere die Schweiz, die USA oder Spanien bevorzugen. Die Motive variieren ebenfalls: Bei der Rückkehr ins Herkunftsland spielen vor allem familiäre Gründe eine Rolle, während verbesserte ökonomische Chancen ein zentrales Motiv für die Weiterwanderung sind. Als Hauptgründe für Auswanderungsüberlegungen werden politische Unzufriedenheit, persönliche Vorlieben sowie hohe steuerliche Belastungen und Bürokratie in Deutschland genannt. Diese Motive zeigen sich sowohl bei Arbeitsmigrantinnen und -migranten als auch bei Bildungs- und Familieneinwandernden; Geflüchtete nennen zusätzlich Diskriminierungserfahrungen als wichtigen Grund. Insgesamt deutet vieles darauf hin, dass staatliche Maßnahmen wie Bürokratieabbau, Verfahrensvereinfachungen oder Steuererleichterungen die Abwanderungsneigung verringern könnten. Hinsichtlich der soziodemografischen und migrationsspezifischen Faktoren zeigen die Umfrageergebnisse, dass diese eine zentrale Rolle für die Abwanderungsabsichten spielen. Männer äußern häufiger temporäre Bleibeabsichten, Auswanderungsüberlegungen und konkrete Auswanderungspläne als Frauen. Herkunftsregion und Zuzugsgrund beeinflussen die Abwanderungsneigung ebenfalls erheblich: Geflüchtete und Personen, die im Rahmen des Familiennachzugs kamen, zeigen deutlich geringere Abwanderungstendenzen, während Migrantinnen und Migranten aus EU-Staaten sowie aus arbeits- und bildungsbezogenen Migrationskontexten eine höhere Mobilität aufweisen. Zudem ist die Abwanderungsneigung unter Personen mit unbefristetem Aufenthaltsstatus oder EU-/deutscher Staatsangehörigkeit größer – vermutlich aufgrund erweiterter Mobilitätsoptionen. Zudem haben Arbeitsmarktfaktoren und ökonomische Verankerung einen wichtigen, aber differenzierten Einfluss auf die Abwanderungsabsichten von Eingewanderten. Bildung ist ein zentraler Prädiktor: Höherqualifizierte äußern deutlich häufiger Auswanderungsüberlegungen und konkrete Auswanderungspläne als Personen mit niedrigerem Bildungsniveau. Auch Personen mit in Deutschland oder in Drittstaaten erworbenen Abschlüssen sowie in Deutschland anerkannten ausländischen Qualifikationen überlegen häufiger, ins Ausland zu gehen – vermutlich aufgrund der höheren internationalen Übertragbarkeit ihrer Qualifikationen. Erwerbstätige wollen nach eigenen Angaben häufiger nur vorübergehend in Deutschland bleiben als Nichterwerbstätige oder Auszubildende. Jene Branchen, in denen das Abwanderungsrisiko unter Eingewanderten besonders hoch ist – wie IT und technische Dienstleistungen – zählen zugleich zu den Sektoren mit erheblichem Fachkräftemangel. Zudem fällt auf, dass in anderen besonders engpassgefährdeten Bereichen – etwa im Gesundheitswesen, der Bauwirtschaft, der öffentlichen Verwaltung oder im Einzelhandel – zwar keine überdurchschnittlich hohen, aber dennoch relevante Auswanderungstendenzen bestehen. Auch höhere Verdienste sind mit stärkeren Auswanderungsüberlegungen und -plänen verbunden, was darauf hinweist, dass besonders die gut in den Arbeitsmarkt Integrierten, Deutschland wieder verlassen wollen. Ein weiterer wichtiger Faktor ist die Arbeitszufriedenheit: Je unzufriedener die Beschäftigten mit ihrer Tätigkeit sind, eher neigen sie dazu, Deutschland den Rücken zu kehren. Arbeitszufriedenheit erweist sich damit als wichtiger Stabilitätsfaktor. Auch Sprachkenntnisse machen einen Unterschied: Während deskriptive Befunde darauf hindeuten, dass Personen mit schlechten Deutschkenntnissen eher seltener die Absicht haben, dauerhaft in Deutschland zu bleiben, zeigen multivariate Analysen, dass gerade gute Deutschkenntnisse mit einer erhöhten Mobilitätsneigung verbunden sind. Auch gute Englischkenntnisse erhöhen tendenziell die Abwanderungsneigung, was auf bessere internationale Arbeitsmarktoptionen hindeuten könnte. Auch soziale Integration und gesellschaftliche Teilhabe haben einen entscheidenden Einfluss auf die Abwanderungsabsichten von Eingewanderten. Familiäre Bindungen in Deutschland sowie soziale Kontakte zu Deutschen wirken stabilisierend. Auch eine starke emotionale Verbundenheit mit Deutschland festigt den Wunsch, sich dauerhaft hierzulande niederzulassen, während eine enge Bindung an das Herkunftsland die Abwanderungsneigung erhöht. Auch ein starkes subjektives Willkommensgefühl und geringe Diskriminierungswahrnehmungen senken deutlich die Wahrscheinlichkeit von Auswanderungsüberlegungen und -plänen. Umgekehrt verstärkt die Wahrnehmung von Diskriminierung – insbesondere im Kontakt mit Behörden, Polizei und am Arbeitsplatz – die Abwanderungstendenzen erheblich. Politische Unzufriedenheit erhöht ebenfalls signifikant die Wahrscheinlichkeit von Abwanderungsgedanken und -plänen. Insgesamt verdeutlichen die Ergebnisse, dass Abwanderungsabsichten nicht zufällig entstehen, sondern das Ergebnis eines komplexen Zusammenspiels individueller Merkmale, sozialer Integration, wirtschaftlicher Verankerung und wahrgenommener gesellschaftlicher Akzeptanz sind. Ein zentrales Ergebnis der Befragung ist, dass gerade die für Erwerbs- oder Bildungszwecke zugezogenen, besser gebildeten, wirtschaftlich erfolgreicheren sowie sprachlich besser integrierten Migrantinnen und Migranten – also genau jene, die Deutschland dringend für die Fachkräftesicherung benötigt – überdurchschnittlich häufig über eine Ausreise nachdenken oder konkrete Abwanderungspläne äußern. Diese selektive Mobilitätsneigung gefährdet die langfristige Fachkräftesicherung in Deutschland. Umso wichtiger ist es, diesen zentralen Gruppen eine echte Perspektive zu bieten und Deutschland nicht nur als Einwanderungs-, sondern als dauerhaft attraktives Lebens- und Arbeitsland zu positionieren. Dazu gehören schnellere und transparentere Verfahren bei der Anerkennung von Qualifikationen, ein entschlossener Abbau bürokratischer Hürden, eine familienfreundliche Integrationspolitik sowie gezielte Maßnahmen gegen Diskriminierung im Alltag und am Arbeitsplatz. Nur wenn Zugewanderte sich als vollwertige Mitglieder der Gesellschaft erleben – mit realen Chancen auf Teilhabe und beruflichen Aufstieg –, steigt die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass sie Deutschland auch langfristig als Lebensmittelpunkt wählen und ihre beruflichen wie privaten Zukunftspläne hier verwirklichen möchten. Bislang hat nur etwa ein Fünftel derjenigen, die Auswanderungspläne äußern, bereits konkrete Schritte zu deren Umsetzung unternommen. Gleichzeitig wünscht sich rund ein Fünftel dieser Gruppe eine langfristige Rückkehr nach Deutschland, während ein Drittel eine Rückkehr ausschließt und etwa die Hälfte unentschlossen ist. Daraus ergibt sich ein erhebliches Rückkehrpotenzial: Zwei Drittel der Auswanderungswilligen schließen eine spätere Rückkehr nicht aus. Dieses Potenzial gezielt zu aktivieren und unterstützend zu begleiten, könnte ein wirkungsvoller Baustein in einer strategischen Fachkräftesicherungspolitik sein." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)