OECD statement on immigrants

According to the results of a study released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Berlin today, more than half of the skilled immigrants who come to Germany to work face discrimination.

The study, conducted by the OECD at the request of the Federal Ministry of Labour, is titled "The Road to Germany." While the study reveals that there is great interest among skilled foreign labor in coming to Germany, it also points out that the proportion of those who actually succeed in coming to Germany remains very limited.

Surveys conducted with skilled labor in many countries as part of the research show that there are difficulties, particularly regarding visa applications, finding employment, learning German, and finding housing.

OECD expert Thomas Liebig stated that three separate surveys were conducted between 2022 and 2023, with approximately 28,914 people participating in the first survey and 6,275 in the last, and that only 7 percent of them, or 427 people, actually managed to come to Germany.

Liebig also noted that there were intense complaints, particularly regarding complex procedures and long waiting times for visas.

VERY HIGH

Meanwhile, 49 percent of those who want to come to Germany believe that immigrants are welcomed warmly here. However, the survey conducted with those who have already arrived in Germany shows that this perception changes after they arrive in the country.

Of those who participated in the survey after arriving in Germany, 52 percent said they faced discrimination while looking for housing, and 37 percent said they faced it on the streets, in shops, or in restaurants. 15 percent of those who arrived stated that they experienced discrimination with the police, 23 percent in their children's schools, and 28 percent in the workplace.

One in three people also reported facing discrimination in their relationships with neighbors and at the Foreigners' Registration Offices.

OECD expert Liebig, while explaining that a large portion of the foreign labor force that comes to Germany is satisfied with their living standards but that more than half face discrimination, said, "These rates are alarmingly high."

BAD FOR GERMANY

Evaluating the research results, Federal Ministry of Labour official Fabian Langenbruch described the experiences of discrimination voiced by skilled foreign labor living in Germany as "almost shocking." Langenbruch emphasized that this is bad not only for the people experiencing the discrimination but also for Germany and the German economy.

While Langenbruch described the high rate of foreign skilled labor wanting to come to Germany as "gratifying," he pointed out that they will focus on more effectively communicating the opportunities and facilities they wish to provide.

News Source: 12punto