Why Are Migrants in Germany Still Earning Less—Even Generations Later?

 Exploring Economic Gaps Among African & Middle Eastern Communities

Germany is one of Europe’s most powerful economies, offering hope and opportunity to millions of migrants seeking a better life. But a new study has revealed a disturbing truth: Migrants and their descendants still earn far less than native-born Germans—even generations later.

The research, published in the journal Nature and conducted in collaboration with Germany’s Institute for Employment Research (IAB), shows a persistent income gap. And it affects communities from Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia more than others.

This blog post breaks down the findings, highlights what it means for the Nigerian and African diaspora in Germany, and explores how countries like Canada and Sweden are doing a better job closing the gap.

📊 What the Study Revealed

The headline figure? Migrants in Germany earn, on average, 19.6% less than native-born Germans.

But here’s the catch:

Researchers say 75% of this gap is due to migrants being shut out of better-paying sectors—not because they’re being paid less for the same work.

In other words, the issue isn’t equal pay laws—it’s who gets access to the higher-paying roles in the first place.

🌍 Second-Generation Migrants Still Struggle

One of the most alarming findings is that even children and grandchildren of migrants—born and raised in Germany—still face disadvantages in the labor market.

Key Challenges:

• Lower access to top industries like tech, finance, healthcare, and government jobs.

• Cultural and language barriers that persist even in second-generation homes.

• Implicit bias and systemic discrimination in hiring practices.

The income gap is even wider for descendants of African and Middle Eastern migrants, who often end up in lower-wage or unstable employment sectors.

🧑🏿‍💼 Nigerians and Africans in Germany: A Closer Look

For Nigerians living in Germany—whether students, asylum seekers, skilled workers, or second-generation youth—the study hits close to home.

According to recent German labor and migration statistics:

• Nigerians face one of the highest unemployment rates among African communities.

• Those with degrees often end up working in low-skilled jobs unrelated to their education.

• Women migrants, particularly single mothers, face even more challenges securing stable income.

🆚 Germany vs Other Countries: How Do They Compare?

The study also looked at eight other Western countries, including:

• 🇸🇪 Sweden

• 🇨🇦 Canada

• 🇪🇸 Spain

• 🇺🇸 USA

• 🇫🇷 France

And here’s the surprising part:

Sweden and Canada are closing the income gap much faster than Germany. Why?

Reasons:

• Inclusive education and employment policies for migrants.

• Programs that recognize foreign qualifications faster.

• Strong anti-discrimination laws and enforcement.

• Government-supported job placement services for second-generation youth.

Germany, by comparison, still lags in integrating migrants into professional networks and elite job sectors.

💥 What Could This Mean Long-Term?

If these trends continue, Germany could face:

• Widening inequality between migrant and native-born populations.

• Increased social tension, especially in urban areas.

• Brain drain, as educated migrants leave for better opportunities in the UK, Canada, or the US.

• Generational poverty cycles that are hard to break.

🌐 What Can Be Done?

The report suggests key reforms Germany could adopt:

• Improve access to vocational and higher education for migrant youth.

• Remove bureaucratic barriers to recognizing foreign qualifications.

• Encourage hiring diversity in high-paying industries.

• Provide early career mentorship for children of migrants.

• Invest in language support and cultural inclusion.

The Nigerian community in Germany is already organizing around these issues, calling for more visibility, support, and fair representation in national conversations.

🗣️ Voices from the Nigerian Diaspora

We spoke to Chinedu, a second-gen Nigerian-German, who holds a university degree in computer science but works in food delivery:

“It’s not that I’m lazy or unqualified. I just never got into the tech circle. I applied for over 100 jobs, and when they hear my name or see my background—no response.”

Chinedu’s story is not unique—and it reflects a system that needs fixing, not just more data.

🌍 A Wake-Up Call for Africans in Europe

If you’re Nigerian or African living abroad, this study is a reminder to:

• Stay informed

• Organize for policy change

• Push for education and mentorship in your community

• Share your voice in public forums

Change starts from within—but also with bold public awareness like this.

📢 What Do You Think?

Should Germany and other countries do more to support migrants across generations?

Do you believe Nigeria can learn from this and prepare its own future youth better?

Photo Credit: Poodar Chu/ Unsplash 

👉 Read, Comment & Share on Civic Vibe NG:

📢 Join the conversation on our platforms and share your thoughts.

👉 https://civicvibeng.blogspot.com

👉 https://facebook.com/CivicVibeNG