A majority of Germans believe that immigration brings more disadvantages than advantages, according to a new survey. Accordingly, half of those surveyed want Germany to accept fewer refugees than it currently does.
However, a large majority of Germans continue to believe in helping those in need, with 84% saying that refugees fleeing war should be taken in.
However, respondents were less accepting of refugees, with 52% wanting Germany to accept fewer refugees.
Germany’s interior minister, Nancy Faeser (SPD), meanwhile advocates a change in EU migration policy to limit the number of refugees. She wants people to be identified, registered and screened as early as at the EU’s external borders.
The majority of respondents were cautious about immigration in general, but did differentiate between immigrants. For example, 40% want Germany to attract more skilled workers from abroad, while only a quarter want to see a reduction in immigration into the labor market.
Still, a clear 60% majority supports sea rescue operations carried out by NGOs in the Mediterranean.
Also, 60% want EU governments to do more to rescue refugees and bring them to European ports.
