World Immigration News

Anti-immigration politics contribute to racism in Germany

Release Date: 2025-10-08
Media: DW
Summary: The political focus on migration in Germany is raising concerns that decades of progress toward racial inclusion, particularly for Black people, could be reversed. Tahir Della of the Initiative of Black People in Germany warns that during migration debates, the presence of Black people and those of African descent is often questioned.

Germany has seen the largest increase in reported anti-Black discrimination in the EU, according to the 2023 "Being Black in the EU" report. Following the 2025 federal election, the far-right AfD party became the second-largest in parliament, intensifying concerns amid a stagnating economy.

Economically, sub-Saharan African immigrants face higher unemployment (over 16%) and lower incomes than both native Germans and other immigrant groups. Many are concentrated in low-paying sectors like cleaning. Recognition of foreign qualifications and discriminatory immigration policies contribute to this gap.

One example is Arnaud de Souza, a nursing assistant from Benin working in Berlin. He earns below average for his profession and faces racial discrimination from patients. Despite high living costs, he prefers Berlin over rural areas like Brandenburg, where racism is more prevalent.

Studies show that hiring discrimination remains widespread, especially for applicants with African or Arab-sounding names. This happens despite ongoing labor shortages in many sectors.

Luxembourg offers a contrast: after poor ratings in 2017, it initiated national efforts to combat racism, including data collection and policy action. Experts emphasize that racial discrimination has social and economic costs and should be addressed with concrete measures and better data.

Della calls for more comprehensive research on the lived experiences of Black people in Germany, both immigrants and those born in the country.
Tags: Germany

News Articles including "Germany"

Released on

Article Title