Germany welcomed nearly 2 million migrants in 2023, making it the second-highest migration year since 2016, according to the German federal government’s migration report.
With 1.933 million arrivals, the country’s population reached a record high, driven largely by the ongoing impact of the war in Ukraine. Net migration stood at 662,964, as 1.27 million people also emigrated from Germany during the same year.
Roughly half of the new arrivals originated from European Union nations, with 63.4% coming from all European countries, including Turkey. Ukraine accounted for 14.3% of migrants in 2023, down from 41.2% in 2022. Other notable contributors included Turkey at 6.5%, Poland at 5.5%, and Romania at 9.8%. Non-EU migration was led by Syria, contributing 5.3% of arrivals, while Asian countries collectively made up 19.5%.
On the flip side, 70.5% of emigrants left for European countries, with Romania (13.6%), Ukraine (12.2%), and Poland (7.2%) being the top destinations.
Despite the influx, public opinion on immigration remains deeply divided. Polls indicate a growing opposition to increased migration, especially from non-EU and predominantly Muslim countries. A recent Insa poll revealed that 71.1% of Germans view migrants from Islamic-majority nations as a “security risk,” with only 9.1% disagreeing. Concerns are fueled by rising crime rates, terror attacks, and challenges in integrating new arrivals.
The population surge has amplified problems in housing, traffic, healthcare, and education. Schools with a significant number of non-European children are reportedly struggling to maintain educational standards, reflecting the strain on the system amid shifting demographics.e
