At a time when anti-immigration groups in Germany are raising voices against the influx of immigrants in big numbers, the debate on whether immigrants would be a burden or beneficial on the economy remains vibrant.
The burden on Germany economy is estimated to reach 10 billion euros by end of 2015. However, it's estimated that foreigners staying in Germany generated euro 22 billion in one year alone.
Adding to this, rapidly ageing population and low birth rate are major factors that led Germany to welcome immigrants.
Germany is ready to accept 500,000 refugees annually for several years. EU has announced a quota plan for all European nations in accepting refugees.
Considering the long-term benefits, German officials are of positive view about the immigrants. Germany is expecting the number of immigrants to reach 800,000 by end of this year. German officials estimate that 460,000 more people become eligible for social benefits.
Anti-immigrant groups argue that before contributing to the economy, immigrants seek to avail of government services and more burden on budget in form of social benefits.
The long track record of immigrants in Germany shows that it's always been positive for the country. Germany has about 6.6 million people with foreign passports are staying in the country.
These foreigners are paid on an average of $4.127 in forms of taxes and social security than they received social benefits. Foreigners in 2012 alone generated about euro 22 billion.
Andrea Nahles, Germany Labor Minister said, "We'll profit from this too, because we need immigration. The people who come to us as refugees should be welcomed as neighbors and colleagues."
Many people leave Africa and Middle East owing to reasons such as poverty, political crisis, war, etc, and seeking asylum in the European Union (EU).
The number of immigrants to German is expected to be four times at 800,000 in 2015 than what it was in 2014. German Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel asked other European nations should on their part accept refugees.
UNHCR, an UN's refugee agency, said Europe must accept Syrian refugees. According to UNHCR, 30,000 refugees are on Greek islands, 20,000 on Lesbos island. Britain and France have already responded positively in accepting refugees. These countries have advised that reception centers should be set up in Hungary and Greece.
German is supporting quote system, while some other European nations are opposing it. UNHCR said that talks with Europe were scheduled for this week on an emergency basis. Because, it can't be a German solution to a European problem, said UNHCR.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is supporting the quota system on refugees for European Union as every country has to take stipulated number. Merkel also advised for minimum standards for accommodating refugees.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker says there would be quota system for accepting refugees. 120,000 additional refugees will be distributed among EU nations as per the quote system. There's sudden rise in number of Syrian immigrants, who pushed through north Europe.
Juncker said EU was not in a good position and admitted that there's a lack of Europe in this union and lack of union in this Europe. The number of refugees, as per latest figures, accounts for just 0.11 percent of EU population. Refugees in Lebanon account for 25 percent of population.
Among European nations, German is openly accepting refugees for its own reasons. German economy needs 1.5 million skilled migrants to stabilize the state pension scheme. The fast aging population and drop in birth rates put a lot of pressure on German economy. Every third German will be over 65 by 2060. German hopes that inflow of immigrants will improve the number of people in the working age group 15-64 years.
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