Migrant workers bridge critical labor shortages in Germany
According to Destatis microcensus data, the proportion of migrants in critical sectors facing skilled labor shortages in Germany has exceeded the general economic average.
According to the 2025 microcensus results released by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, the proportion of workers with a migrant background in critical sectors suffering from skilled labor shortages was well above the general economic average.
Microcensus Results and General Averages
The Federal Statistical Office of Germany shared the 2025 microcensus results regarding the labor market with the public. Considering the total dependent employees across the country, the share of those with a migrant background in the general economy remained at 27 percent.
High Migrant Ratios in Critical Sectors
Last year, migrants accounted for 56 percent of chefs in Germany. This rate was recorded as 55 percent in food production, 54 percent in flooring, 51 percent in scaffolding and meat processing, and 47 percent in bus and tram drivers.
Definitions and Official Data Sources
According to analyses by the German Federal Employment Agency, occupations with labor shortages refer to fields experiencing a lack of skilled personnel. In the country, individuals who themselves or whose parents migrated after 1950 are considered to have a migrant background.
Concentration in Healthcare and Logistics
In the healthcare and logistics sectors, where the shortage of skilled personnel is felt, the proportion of migrant workers also hovered above average. 44 percent of workers in plastic and rubber production and 41 percent of heavy vehicle drivers consisted of migrants.
Distribution in Care and Service Fields
Migrants made up 40 percent of hotel service workers, 33 percent of patient and elderly care personnel as well as nurses, and 32 percent of dental assistants.
Areas with Lower Migrant Ratios
Despite having labor shortages, the areas where the migrant ratio remained lowest were determined as emergency medical services at 7 percent, meat product sales at 13 percent, and the agricultural sector at 15 percent.
Situation in Public and Educational Institutions
The proportion of individuals with a migrant background remained at 8 percent in the police force, which is not on the personnel shortage list, 9 percent in public and judicial administration, and 10 percent among teachers.