The Workers Rights 
Germany’s foreigners and migrant workers are facing fresh uncertainty after the strong performance of the Alternative for Germany in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. The party won 39 of the 83 seats, not enough for an outright majority but giving it a say in talks on whether it can take part in state government.
This political development has been of particular concern to migrants, refugees and foreign professionals in eastern Germany. Meanwhile, Germany still needs foreign workers in several sectors, creating a tension between political calls for stricter immigration and the economic need for foreign workers.
Heightened AfD Gains Increase Uncertainty For Migrant Workers
The AfD’s success in Saxony-Anhalt has brought immigration and the situation of foreigners into sharper focus. The party has campaigned for tighter migration controls, deportations of refugees and policies designed to reduce reliance on foreign workers, although the ability of a state government to enact some of these proposals would be restricted by federal law.
However, the climate around migrants and foreign workers in the state has been affected by the September election result. Reports from Magdeburg have revealed concerns among people of all immigration statuses: refugees, international students, permanent residents and workers who have lived in Germany for years.
Number Of Foreigners In Saxony-Anhalt Increased
In the past, Saxony-Anhalt has had a lower percentage of foreign residents than many other German regions. German media data published show that around 9 per cent of the state’s population were foreign nationals at the end of 2025, compared with around 15 per cent across Germany.
The proportion may be relatively small, but the number of foreign residents has grown considerably in the past decade. The foreign population was around 192,000 in 2025, compared to roughly 47,000 in 2014, according to state statistics cited in reporting, a major demographic shift in a state of some 2.1 million people.
Germany Still Needs Foreign Workers
Germany’s labour market faces a long-term demographic challenge as an ageing population, and the out-migration of younger workers from some eastern regions is affecting the available workforce. Therefore, foreign workers can be an important part of efforts to tackle shortages in healthcare, technical occupations and other specialised sectors.
Experts from business and the labour market have stressed the economic value of migrant labour, saying restrictions on skilled immigration could make shortages in the workforce more difficult to address. The ageing population in Germany will probably keep the demand for qualified workers high in many industries.
Migrant Workers Depend On Healthcare And Skilled Sectors
Foreign professionals are particularly important in sectors where Germany has difficulty filling vacancies at home. Healthcare is one example, with internationally trained doctors, nurses and researchers working in hospitals, universities and specialist services.
There are also migrant professionals outside of healthcare, such as in engineering, manufacturing, information technology, logistics, hospitality and other parts of the economy. They are not just plugging vacancies; they are keeping services going and helping businesses cope with demographic pressures.
Foreign Residents Concerned About Political Debate
The AfD’s improved electoral standing has raised concerns among some foreign residents about whether the political climate might become less welcoming. Migrant communities in Saxony-Anhalt have allegedly been talking about whether they should move to other German states or change long-term plans.
The AfD’s campaign included calls for mass deportations of refugees, changes to migration policy and cuts to state support for organisations that work with migrants. Some of these proposals would be constrained by the fact that immigration and nationality law is largely a federal matter.
The party’s top candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, Ulrich Siegmund, has continued to champion hardline migration policies following the election. Siegmund also mentioned the possible use of resources from the state’s arms industry to back planned deportation campaigns, according to Reuters.
Funding Of Migrant Support Organisations Under Fire
Political priorities at state level could also put pressure on migrant support organisations. Many organisations offer legal help, language support, integration services and advice to refugees and foreign residents who may have trouble with administrative systems.
The German business community has a direct interest in ensuring access to qualified workers, given the impact of demographic change on the labour supply. If legal migration is curtailed without other sources of workers, companies already facing labour shortages could find it harder to hire.
Demographic challenges, such as the long-term emigration of young and skilled workers to other parts of Germany, are particularly affecting Saxony-Anhalt. The state’s smaller foreign population compared to other states means that further international recruitment may still have a role to play in economic development.
Migrant Communities Feeling The Strain Of Social Tensions
Political change can create changes in social conditions even before new legislation takes effect. Migrants living in Saxony-Anhalt have said they are worried about discrimination and hostility, and community organisations have reported rising anxiety after the result of the election.
Such experiences can influence decisions about employment, education and long-term residence. International workers already contribute to local businesses and institutions, but if the social environment surrounding them becomes more uncertain, they may rethink their willingness to move.
Germany’s Migration Discourse In Times Of Economic And Social Strain
The German debate on migration that is ongoing is a reflection of the conflicting pressures over border control, legal migration, labour shortages, demographic change and social cohesion. The AfD’s electoral successes have given political weight to restrictive immigration proposals, especially in parts of eastern Germany.
Political support for restrictive immigration policies is growing in parts of the country, raising uncertainty for Germany’s migrant workers. Saxony-Anhalt shows how electoral developments can shape perceptions of security and belonging long before major policy changes are made.
The economic relevance of foreign workers is still significant, especially as Germany deals with an ageing population and persistent shortages in specialised occupations. Recent government initiatives to combat worker exploitation further suggest that migrant labour policy is both a matter of immigration rules and workplace protections.
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