A new study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) shows that more than 54 percent of asylum seekers in Germany are concerned about rising xenophobia, while 98 percent plan to stay permanently in Germany and obtain German citizenship. According to the report, changes to the new citizenship law in 2024 will speed up the process of applying for and granting citizenship.
New research from the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) shows that concerns among asylum seekers about rising xenophobia in Germany are growing significantly. According to the findings of the study, published on Wednesday, in 2023, more than 54 percent of asylum seekers surveyed expressed moderate or severe concerns about xenophobia, compared to only about a third of respondents in 2019.
Decreased sense of social acceptance
According to the study, the feeling of acceptance and welcome in German society among refugees has declined significantly in recent years. In 2018, around 80 percent of refugees said they felt accepted in Germany, but this figure had fallen to 65 percent in 2023.
Regional differences in discrimination
According to the study, asylum seekers living in eastern Germany experienced more discrimination and xenophobia than those living in western Germany. This difference was particularly pronounced among male asylum seekers, who faced greater difficulties in finding housing and the job market in eastern Germany.
Researchers (DIW) have emphasized that in order to reduce discrimination and improve equal opportunities, it is necessary to implement more transparent procedures in the job application and housing allocation process throughout Germany.
Widespread desire to stay and obtain German citizenship
Despite growing concerns, the study’s findings show that refugees have a high desire to stay in Germany and obtain German citizenship. According to the report, 98 percent of refugees who came to Germany between 2013 and 2019 either already have German citizenship, have applied for it, or are planning to apply.
Statistics show that the rate of naturalization among refugees has been on the rise: in 2021, only 2.1% of refugees had acquired German citizenship, this figure increased to 7.5% in 2023.
Also, the number of official applications for citizenship has increased from 7.3% in 2021 to 25.7% in 2023.
Syrian refugees take the lead in obtaining citizenship
According to the DIW, Syrian refugees account for the largest share of those granted German citizenship. In 2023, around 13.1 percent of Syrian refugees received German citizenship and another 29.4 percent applied for it.
The study also shows that 88.4% of refugees who received German citizenship in 2023 also retained their previous citizenship and thus now have dual citizenship.