Briefing papersNovember 2019Irina Mosel and Christopher Smart with Marta Foresti, Gemma Hennessey and Amy LeachRefugees Welcome demonstration in Hamburg. Photo: Rasande TyskarThis briefing presents an overview of the key features of migration and asylum policy in Germany, recent trends in migration patterns, public perceptions and political narratives on refugees and other migrants:Germany is one of the most important countries of immigration in Europe. In 2018 there were 10.9 million refugees and other migrants, accounting for 13% of the German population, of whom 1.2 million were refugees.There is a strong tradition of refugee protection in Germany. A large majority of Germans believe that countries including their own have an obligation to accept refugees. Yet there is also growing concern about the cultural impact migration could have in the long term.Most Germans do not have strong positive or negative views about refugees and other migrants, with 59% concerned about the negative externalities of immigration but also open to its potential economic benefits and supportive of the moral obligation to protect refugees.By 2021 refugees will contribute more than they cost to the German state through filling labour shortages, paying taxes and contributing to the economy.The private sector is actively engaged in supporting the integration of refugees and other migrants into German society and the economy. Often working in partnership, they have spearheaded initiatives offering practical support and employment opportunities for refugees and other migrants.This briefing is part of a wider project supported by the IKEA Foundation aimed at supporting public and private investors interested in engaging with migration and displacement.Read the research Public narratives and attitudes towards refugees and other migrants: Germany country profileDocumentpdf Public narratives and attitudes towards refugees and other migrants: Germany country profile [German]DocumentpdfRelated Public narratives and attitudes towards refugees and other migrants: US country profileAn overview of public perceptions and political narratives on refugees and other migrants in the US.Briefing papers3 March 2020 Public narratives and attitudes towards refugees and other migrants: UK country profileThis briefing presents an overview of migration and asylum policy in the UK as well as the county’s perceptions of and political narratives on migrants.Briefing papers1 November 2019 Overcoming migration myths: #ODIdeas with Louise ArbourLouise Arbour, the UN Special Representative for International Migration, reflects on the need to challenge negative perceptions of migration.Multimedia18 April 2018 Understanding public attitudes towards refugees and migrantsWhat does the literature tell us about public attitudes towards refugees and migrants, their drivers, and how to influence them?Publication Series22 June 2017See more:migration and refugeeseuropehumanitarian policyGermany
