Germany

By: Kacie Matthews

Country Overview

Germany, a European country, known for its history, and high precision engineering system, has problems with migrant worker exploitation including low wages, and long working hours. Along with other European countries, Germany’s government has taken some action against migrant worker exploitation, although there are still some challenges and loopholes.

Statistics

• 419,000 migrant workers

• Gender Breakdown in 2021: 33% for Women, and around 66% for Males

• Main sectors: Agriculture, Meat Processing, and Construction

Countries of Origin

• Poland

• Ukraine

• Syria

Remittance Data

• Share of GDP: 0.50% 

• Remittance inflow: 22 Billion Euros

Legal Gaps

The German government and work regulations only apply to those who have legal documentation, and for migrant workers, many of their basic working rights such as minimum wage, and valid treatment isn’t concluded. Additionally, the German economy relies on cheap and quick production and labor, and many migrant workers are sought for these roles, as many don’t report the exploitation as there are fears about deportation, and jail time. The German government isn’t doing anything to protect foreign and migrant workers as they are needed for the economy and production. Along with that, Germany is facing high numbers of discrimination against immigrants and migrant workers making many feel uneasy and wishing to leave Germany.

NGO & Support Resources

• International Organization for Migration (IOM) 

• Arbeit und Leben

“"Although most people take human rights for granted today, that can certainly not be said about the everyday lives of many people — even here in Germany" (Beate Rudolf, Director of the German Institute for Human Rights (DIMR))

Sources

CBSS. “Labour Exploitation, Forced Labour and Human Trafficking in Germany. Current Challenges and Developments (in German).” CBSS, cbss.org/publications/labour-exloitation-forced-labour-and-human-trafficking-in-germany-current-challenges-and-developments-in-german/.

Kinkartz, Sabine. “Germany: 1 in 4 Immigrants Doesn’t Want to Stay.” Dw.com, Deutsche Welle, 17 June 2025, www.dw.com/en/germany-1-in-4-immigrants-doesnt-want-to-stay/a-72936625.

“Remittance Inflows to GDP for Germany.” Stlouisfed.org, 2020, fred.stlouisfed.org/series/DDOI11DEA156NWDB. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

“Germany - Remittance Inflows to GDP - 2025 Data 2026 Forecast 1971-2020 Historical.” Tradingeconomics.com, 2025, tradingeconomics.com/germany/remittance-inflows-to-gdp-percent-wb-data.html.