New mobility trends outstripping German Gemütlichkeit? Patterns of emigration in Germany 16th International Metropolis Conference Workshop “Under-explored aspects of emigration: observations from developed countries”, 14 September 2011 Bernd Parusel Elena Antoni German National Contact Point of the EMN Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)

Structure 1.Defining and measuring emigration 2.Emigration of foreign nationals 3.Policy measures to address the emigration of foreign nationals 4.Emigration of German nationals 5.Policy measures to address the emigration of Germans 6.Emigration in media and politics 7.Emigration patterns: worrying for nothing? 8.Conclusion

1 Defining and measuring “emigration” Persons giving up their principle residency in Germany have to give notice to the registration office Those persons are then statistically recorded as emigrants The length or purpose of emigration cannot be recorded

2 EMIGRATION OF FOREIGNERS

2.1 Emigration patterns of foreigners Inflows / outflows

2.1 Emigration patterns of foreigners Net migration flows

2.1 Emigration patterns of foreigners Groups of foreigners and their migration behavior Groups that generally stay permanently: Late resettlers (ethnic Germans), Jewish immigrants, people immigrating for the purpose of family reunion, recognized refugees Groups that are characterized by temporary stay: Labor migrants, especially from central and eastern Europe Often seasonal workers, intra-EU migrants, students

2.1 Emigration patterns of foreigners Emigration based on duration of stay and nationalities Emigration reflects the history of migration to Germany: More than 1/4 of all Greek, Croatian and Turkish citizens that emigrated in 2009 had been staying in Germany for 30 years or longer (“old” countries of origin) More than 3/4 of all citizens from Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary had been staying less than four years More than 1/2 of all citizens from Romania, Bulgaria and Brazil had been staying less than a year (“new” countries of origin)

2.1 Emigration patterns of foreigners Emigration according to last residence permit (purpose of stay, 2009)

2.2 Explaining emigration patterns of foreigners Studies on Emigration of Turkish nationals TASD-Study: interviews with 254 Turkish academics and students concerning their plans on leaving Germany* 36% say they want to move back to Turkey because of: –“not feeling at home in Germany” (41%) –job related reasons (25%) –economical reasons (9%) –family reasons may also matter Study of the Info GmbH and Liljeberg Research International: interviews with 300 German and Turkish nationals** –42% plan to return to Turkey - more young than older people –21% see Germany as their “home country”, 38% see both Germany and Turkey as their “home countries” and 37% only Turkey

2.2 Explaining emigration patterns of foreigners Possible explanations for emigration in general Difficulty of having foreign qualifications recognized in Germany Lack of a strategic provision of services to assist migrants with orientation on the job market Not feeling welcome Probably various soft factors, such as: difficult language, weather conditions, …

3 Measures imposed to address the emigration of foreigners New regulations to improve conditions for working and staying in Germany for foreign graduates (expected) Improved recognition of foreign qualifications (planned) Efforts to improve integration “Welcome culture”

4 EMIGRATION OF GERMANS

4.1 Emigration patterns of Germans Migration patterns of Germans

4.1 Emigration patterns of Germans: Net migration flows

4.1 Emigration patterns of Germans Main countries of destination

4.1 Emigration patterns of Germans German emigrants consist both of “classical emigrants” that move away permanently and “temporary emigrants” Especially highly-educated Germans leave* –43% of Germans emigrating have a university degree (comp. to 29% of the non-mobile society) –36% scientists –18% technicians –19% managers

4.2 Explaining emigration patterns of Germans Push Factors: Situation in Germany that make emigration more likely (e.g. working conditions, salary). Pull Factors: Positive conditions in country of destination All high-qualified employees and executives: pull factors decisive: higher wages, better standards of living, career opportunities Scientists: push factors dominate: employment and research situation in Germany not perceived as attractive

5 POLICY MEASURES TO ADDRESS THE EMIGRATION OF GERMANS Picture on the right: Program North-Rhine- Westphalia to promote the return of highly talented young scientists from abroad.

5 Policy measures to address the emigration of Germans Measures to address the emigration of scientists (I) Resolution of the federal cabinet for the establishment of a Law on scientific freedom Objective: increase autonomy and independence of research institutions Establishment of the “Junior Professor” Objective: enable young scientists to research and teach independently New remuneration system for university professors Make Germany more attractive for highly-skilled academics and professionals

5 Policy measures to address the emigration of Germans Measures to address the emigration of scientists (II) “High-tech-strategy” “Excellence initiative” funding of research clusters and graduate colleges Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia: promote return of talented scientists from abroad Grants and awards from foundations

5 Policy measures to address the emigration of Germans Measures to address emigration in general Return initiatives esp. in eastern Germany virtual job portals encouraging people to return Social security agreements with various countries of destination with regard to pension insurance So that time spent abroad can be included in insurance periods Improvement of structures to reconcile work and family life

6 Emigration in the media and politics Discussion about “Brain Drain” in Germany: fear to lose the most talented brains, especially in research, medicine Fear of increasing shortcomings in the number of high-qualified employees, especially doctors, nurses and engineers Concerning emigration of foreigners: Criticism of Germany lacking a “welcoming attitude”

7 Emigration patterns of Germans A lot of worrying for nothing? Especially highly educated Germans emigrate, however the willingness to return is high OECD: German “brain drain” often overestimated: regarding highly-skilled labor overall, Germany is more of an import- than an export country*

8 Conclusion - The “problem” of emigration? Emigration of highy qualified persons is a problem for a country that faces labour shortages However: Increased mobility is a general trend of our time (reflects globalization and EU integration) Emigration can also be of advantage for Germany (benefits through circular movements, “brain circulation”) Emigration of foreigners: A different attitude and integration approach in Germany necessary?

Thank you for your attention! Dr. Bernd Parusel Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) German National Contact Point of the EMN