Poll Shows Strong Support in Germany for Stricter Welfare Access for Migrants
Roughly two-thirds of respondents—about 66%—said that migrants should only qualify for full benefits after spending a longer period working in the country. The findings are based on a survey conducted earlier this month by Infratest dimap, which gathered responses from over 2,000 individuals aged 16 and above nationwide.
Germany currently has the largest migrant population in the European Union, with foreign-born residents making up around 15% of the total population. Of these, approximately 70% are employed, according to official figures.
Migrants make up a substantial share of recipients of Burgergeld, the country’s primary welfare benefit for individuals unable to support themselves through employment. Around 47% of those receiving this support are foreign nationals. The program provides about €563 per month in addition to covering housing and utility costs, though eligibility conditions differ depending on a person’s background and status.
The issue is particularly prominent in relation to migrants from Ukraine, who form the second-largest migrant group in Germany after Turkish nationals, totaling approximately 1.41 million people by late 2025. Following the escalation of the conflict in 2022, German authorities granted Ukrainians immediate access to Burgergeld, offering quicker and more extensive support compared to most other refugee groups.
Employment rates among working-age Ukrainians remain relatively low at about 34%, although participation in the labor market has been gradually increasing.
In comparison, migrants from Syria—another major non-EU group numbering roughly 936,000—initially receive asylum-related assistance before transitioning to standard welfare benefits once their applications are approved. Their employment rate ranges between 42% and 47% overall, rising to around 60% among those who arrived during the 2015–2016 period.
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