Foreigners now represent a significant portion of the long-term unemployed in Germany, with recent data revealing that they make up at least one in three individuals in this category. Reports from Germany’s Federal Employment Agency show that the number of long-term unemployed migrants has surged by over 40% since 2018, highlighting ongoing challenges in integrating these individuals into the workforce.
In 2024, approximately 972,000 people in Germany were classified as long-term unemployed, with around 317,000 lacking German citizenship. This marks a notable increase from 2018, when about 187,000 foreign nationals, or 23% of the total long-term unemployed, were in a similar situation.
The actual number of unemployed migrants could be even higher, as these statistics do not include individuals who were born abroad but later obtained German citizenship. The data was released following inquiries from Rene Springer, a member of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, who pointed to the figures as evidence of the failure to successfully integrate foreigners into the labor market. He emphasized the need to focus on enhancing the skills of the domestic workforce rather than increasing immigration.
Critics have also pointed to Germany’s welfare system as a factor contributing to long-term unemployment. Many unemployed individuals, including legal migrants, qualify for Bürgergeld, or "citizen’s allowance." A single adult can receive up to €563 a month, along with additional support for rent, health insurance, and heating costs. Since the introduction of Bürgergeld in 2022, the rate of successful re-entry into the labor market has dropped by six percent.
Moreover, a recent study by the Bertelsmann Foundation highlighted the substantial costs associated with the bureaucratic management of the welfare program. In 2024, local Jobcentres received €10.7 billion to manage Bürgergeld, with €6.5 billion allocated for administrative expenses—an increase of 39% over the past decade. Some Jobcentres reportedly spend as much as 70% of their budgets on bureaucracy.
These developments raise important questions about the effectiveness of current policies in addressing long-term unemployment and the integration of migrants into the German workforce.