The employment rate of immigrants in the European Union is at a historic high

In the European Union, the number of working migrants today is at an all-time high, according to a recent study. Last year, the proportion of working migrants rose from 67.8% to 68.2%, as announced by the Rockwall Berlin Foundation.

Record growth and disparities between countries

According to the report published today, Thursday (July 23, 2026), the employment rate reached a record level, continuing the steady upward trend witnessed in previous years.

The largest increase was recorded among immigrants from outside the European Union, as their employment rate increased from 59.4% in 2017 to 66%. In contrast, the employment rate among immigrants from European Union countries increased from 71.1% to 74.8%, while the employment rate among indigenous people increased from 67.2% to 71.6%.

“The employment rate among immigrants has been rising for many years, and its numbers are close to those of the indigenous population,” says Tommaso Frattini, professor of economics at the University of Milan.

However, there remains significant untapped potential in the labor market, especially among non-EU women and highly skilled workers.

According to the study, there are significant differences depending on the region of origin of migrants and the host country. In large parts of Europe, the employment rates of immigrants born in other EU member states match, and sometimes even exceed, the employment rates of indigenous people.

However, employment rates for migrants from non-EU countries vary markedly between countries. These rates are significantly higher in Malta (83.7%), the Czech Republic (77.3%), and Ireland (76.1%). While the lowest rates are recorded in Belgium (58.5%) and Finland (58.6%).

In Germany, the employment rate of non-EU immigrants is 66.1% (compared to the native population: 79.6%, and EU immigrants: 78.6%). As for Austria, it is 65.4% (compared to the indigenous population: 76.1%, and EU immigrants: 76.0%).

Challenges of gaps and qualifications

The study indicated that the remaining employment gap is increasingly concentrated in specific groups, and no longer includes immigrants as a whole.

There is a gap between women from outside the EU. Their employment rate remains much lower than that of women born in Germany and women from other EU countries.

According to the analysis, highly skilled immigrants from outside the European Union are less likely to find job opportunities in large parts of Europe than German-born citizens with the same level of education.

Christian Dastmann, Director of the Berlin Research Foundation, said: “Europe has made remarkable progress in integrating migrants into the labor market. The challenge today is no longer limited only to providing job opportunities for migrants, but it has become necessary to ensure the full use of their qualifications.

Improving the recognition of foreign qualifications, removing unnecessary obstacles related to certification, and increasing the participation of non-EU women in the labor market can contribute to alleviating the labor shortage.”