Immigrants: Essential Contributors Across Various Sectors in Germany

In Germany, immigrants play a crucial role in the workforce, significantly bolstering the economy across various sectors. Recent statistics reveal that in certain industries, up to two-thirds of the workforce has a migration background.

According to the Federal Statistical Office's findings based on the Microcensus survey conducted in 2023, approximately 67% of employees in the construction and dry construction sectors have an immigrant history. Additionally, the food production sector sees 51% of its workforce coming from immigrant backgrounds. Professions such as tilers, bus and truck drivers, and service staff in the hospitality sector are also notably represented by individuals with foreign roots.

The term 'immigrant history' encompasses individuals who themselves or whose parents immigrated to Germany since 1950. It's important to note that this definition excludes those residing in communal accommodations. The Microcensus, which surveys about 1% of the population annually, relies on self-reported data from participants.

Overall, about 26% of the workforce in the German economy identifies as having an immigrant background. Noteworthy proportions are also found in food retail, where 41% have an immigrant history, in elder care at 31%, and in metal construction at 30%. These figures highlight the urgent need for workers in these sectors, which are classified as shortage occupations by the Federal Employment Agency.

In contrast, sectors such as public administration, including defense and social security, show comparatively lower percentages of individuals with immigrant backgrounds. Only 10% of employees in public administration, 13% in insurance, and 15% in financial services identify as having an immigrant history, along with 17% in education.