The German population is becoming increasingly skeptical about migrants. They fear additional costs for the state, problems at schools and a housing shortage, according to new research by the Bertelsmann Foundation.
In line with this result, the willingness to accept refugees has also decreased significantly. In total, approximately 2,000 people in Germany aged 14 years and older were interviewed representatively. While in 2021 only 36 percent of respondents said Germany could no longer accept migrants, this was now the clear majority (60 percent). “The sharply increased concerns are related to systemic capabilities,” says study author Ulrike Wieland. The result should not necessarily be interpreted as a rejection of people. In fact, most respondents think immigrants are welcome in their country.
73 percent expect conflicts
However, there are differences, for example depending on the region and whether it concerns the population of the federal government or only the local population. In East Germany, only one in three respondents thinks that migrants are very or at least somewhat welcome locally. Overall, 78 percent expect additional costs for the welfare state as a result of immigration, only slightly fewer (74 percent) fear a housing shortage in metropolitan areas and conflict between locals and immigrants (73 percent).
According to the research, people also see positive consequences, for example less aging of society and importance for the establishment of international companies. Almost every second person (47 percent) believes that migration can compensate for the shortage of skilled workers. The optimists are mainly young people up to the age of 29, but also people with higher education and a high school diploma or university diploma.
Migrants from Syria, Afghanistan and Turkey
According to the Federal Office for Migration, 329,120 people applied for asylum in Germany for the first time last year. Most came from Syria, Turkey and Afghanistan. Compared to 2022, this was approximately 50 percent more initial applications. In addition, approximately 1.4 million refugees from Ukraine currently live in neighboring Austria.
Three-quarters of respondents believe that migrants should be distributed across EU countries. Your own state must ensure that migrants are allowed to work more quickly.
Source: Krone
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