German cities offer free stay to attract residents

Currently, 16,600 people live in Guben, almost half of the 29.1 thousand inhabitants registered in 1995. This number is expected to decrease another 16% by 2030, with an estimated 27% reduction in the productive age population. The current average age is 58 years, and continues to increase. “We are losing an entire generation,” the city mayor Fred Mahro told the Taz newspaper when the program was launched.

Last fall, Bertelsmann Stiftung, an independent civil society foundation, published a study that concluded that Germany would continue to depend on immigration to cover its estimated demand from the labor market. In addition, due to the similar demographic situation in other European countries, migration would have to come from countries outside the EU.

From an economical point of view, we need to ensure that places remain attractive, that incentives are created for companies to settle there, but it is much more than that – for example, a welcoming culture and social interaction.
Susanne Schultz, Migration Policy Specialist at the Bertelsmann Foundation

Schultz points to a survey published by the federal employment agency last week, showing that just over a quarter of people born abroad and immigrated to Germany between 18 and 65 years considered last year to leave the country.

Two thirds of the interviewees cited discrimination as a reason to leave, and one third said he did not feel welcome or just slightly welcome. Rhetoric and immigration policies, such as the recent decision to prevent families from certain refugee groups from moving to Germany, are sending wrong signs, according to Schultz.

“Dissatisfaction with politics was the main reason, and I think a lot has to do with the events of the last year and a half – the weather really changed in Germany,” she told DW, adding that a multifaceted approach is needed to help people socially and economically integrate.