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Photo of Tanja Buch (left) and Carola Burkert (right) side by side.

“Xenophobia in Germany’s regions limits the immigration of skilled workers.”

Regional xenophobia in Germany is impacting labor mobility and deterring foreign workers, threatening some areas' business appeal.

Like many other European countries, Germany is experiencing a rise in xenophobic attitudes. Yet within Germany, there are significant regional differences. Business- and political leaders believe that xenophobic sentiment is already jeopardising the attractiveness of some German regions as a business location. Two studies by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) now show how xenophobic attitudes in the regions affect both intra-German labour mobility and foreign workers’ choice of residence. The IAB Forum editorial team asked Tanja Buch and Carola Burkert about their findings.

Read the complete article on the IAB-Forum.