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Circular and Temporary Migration in Germany ,
Source: BAMF
Working Paper 35 deals with circular and temporary forms of migration. More than 10 per cent of the third-country nationals living in Germany may be considered circular migrants. The study provides definitions, statistical data and an overview of the general political and legal conditions prevailing in Germany.
At EU-level it is currently being examined if and how circular migration (multiple migration between country of origin and country of reception) can be facilitated. In doing so, the "Triple-Win" Scenario has been consulted amongst other things according to which positive effects can result from circular migration: for the country of origin, for the receiving country and for the employee migrating in a circular manner. In Germany, too, strategies for the facilitation of such migration models have experienced greater attention.
Above all, labour migrants make use of circular migration
Data from the Central Register of Foreign Nationals (Ausländerzentralregister) prove that 10.7 percent of third-country nationals living in Germany have already migrated away from Germany at least once and then back again to Germany. This migration pattern is seen rather more often with labour migrants than with those who, for example, have come to Germany for family or humanitarian reasons. Thus, forms of circular migration take place despite the fact that such models have only been stimulated indirectly, if at all.
Seasonal employment as the most important form of temporary migration
With regard to temporary stays for reasons of vocational training or gainful employment, Germany can draw on proven instruments and legal bases. This means that, for example, contract employees and guest workers, but also home helps, showmen, culinary specialist chefs or students come to Germany for a limited period of time. Seasonal workers make up the most significant category of temporary migrants.
Development perspectives
The creation of incentives for circular migration does not require a complete and utter new adjustment of the law. As regards the political configuration options, one should clarify the main interests which must be served for the realisation of circular and temporary migration: the interests of labour market policies, development policies or the interests of migration control.
The Working Paper has been compiled by the German EMN national contact point within the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees as a country report of a study comparing the situation in EU-Member States and has been co-financed by EU funds.
Jan Schneider und Bernd Parusel