Structuring Immigration

Germany has become a popular destination for migrants. There are 22.3 million people from migrant backgrounds now living here. Germany is not only the most popular destination for migrants within the EU but has also moved to the top of the international rankings. In recent years, immigration Immigration As early as the 19th century Germany attracted a large number of immigrants and since the 1950s has emerged as the European country with the largest immigrant population. In 1950, there were about 500,000 foreigners in Germany, accounting for a mere one percent or so of the population. This has… Read more › to Germany has risen faster than for any other of the 38 members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The Federal Government Federal Government The Federal Government and cabinet is made up of the Federal Chancellor and the Federal Ministers. While the Chancellor holds the power to issue directives, the ministers have departmental powers, meaning that they independently run their respective ministries in the framework of those directives… Read more › is increasing rates of immigration for skilled professionals from around the world. At the same time, Germany is facing up to its humanitarian responsibility for refugees and asylum seekers who may be fleeing crises or conflict regions. 

In 2021 there were 10.9 million holders of foreign passports living in Germany. Around 22.3 million persons are from migrant backgrounds. This group includes migrants, foreign citizens born in Germany, and people with one or more parents who came to Ger­many as migrants. This group makes up roughly a quarter of the total population. Around 11.8 million people from migrant backgrounds hold German passports. Over half of them have been German citizens from birth. Ethnic Germans who were repatriated to Germany constitute another significant group. The other people from migrant backgrounds are naturalised. In 2021 alone, some 131,600 foreign citizens were naturalised. 

Migrants make a significant contribution to Germany’s social and economic development. The growing need for skilled workers is attracting well qualified people from abroad. The Federal Government Federal Government The Federal Government and cabinet is made up of the Federal Chancellor and the Federal Ministers. While the Chancellor holds the power to issue directives, the ministers have departmental powers, meaning that they independently run their respective ministries in the framework of those directives… Read more › wants to facili­tate increased migration, not least to counteract the shortage of skilled workers which is due to demographic change. 

In addition to boosting the activation of Germany's own pool of potential skilled workers and encouraging greater immigration Immigration As early as the 19th century Germany attracted a large number of immigrants and since the 1950s has emerged as the European country with the largest immigrant population. In 1950, there were about 500,000 foreigners in Germany, accounting for a mere one percent or so of the population. This has… Read more › from EU member states, the Federal Government sees the migration of skilled workers from third countries as a means of counteracting demographic change and helping ensure there are enough skilled workers. Germany also intends to speed up visa approvals and conduct more of the process digitally.