Migration Report 2025 published

This eighth municipal migration report is the fourth time that the city of Jena has presented a comprehensive biennial report on population development and integration. Due to the highly dynamic nature of this topic, the biennial cycle has proven its worth. The report provides a well-founded collection of data as a planning basis for administration and politics and at the same time helps to objectify the sometimes emotional migration debates.

Since the end of 2011, the proportion of people with a migration biography in Jena has risen continuously - in absolute figures by around 11,000 people. Their share of the total population has thus more than doubled from 8.2 to 18.2 percent. At the same time, the number of residents without a migration biography has fallen by around 7,000 people - a demographic change that shows: The decrease in the non-migrant population exceeds the increase in the migrant population.

Particularly striking is the younger age structure of the migrant population, which is mitigating the demographic trend in the city. The number of naturalized citizens is also increasing. Migration is changing Jena in all planning areas: the proportion of the migrant population is increasing in all districts, as is the number of foreign employees and tradespeople.

The integration of refugees who came to Jena in 2015/2016 into work and training has been largely successful. However, language support, recognition of professional qualifications and access to training remain key prerequisites. Skilled workers from abroad play a key role in ensuring that companies in Jena remain efficient and innovative.

Kathleen Lützkendorf, Head of the Department for Social Affairs, Health, Immigration and Climate, emphasizes: "Jena is an open urban society that thrives on diversity. Migration has long been part of our urban development - it works where people can find affordable housing, where administration is accessible and participation is a matter of course."