Working Migrants in the EU: Insights from Citizens’ Perspectives

Migration is often a topic that divides opinion, but when it comes to migration for work purposes, participants to our study tend to see more benefits than drawbacks. This is one of the key findings from an online qualitative study conducted by Verian for the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, exploring citizens’ attitudes toward labour migration.

In January 2025, we engaged 243 participants across seven EU Member States (France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Romania, Sweden, and Poland) to understand how people perceive the role of working migrants in their societies.

Key Findings

• Economic contribution recognised
  Respondents generally view working migrants positively, citing benefits such as labour market support, economic growth, social inclusion, and cultural diversity.
• Sectoral perceptions
  Migrants are mostly associated with jobs requiring lower qualifications, though in some countries they are also linked to high-skilled sectors.
• Filling labour gaps
  A large majority believe migrants take on jobs that local workers are unwilling to do, helping address labour shortages.
• Concerns about competition
  Wage pressure and job competition remain concerns, particularly among respondents with lower education levels.
• Demographic challenges
  While not spontaneously mentioned, when prompted, participants support migration as a solution to ageing populations and workforce gaps.
• Strong agreement on labour shortages
  There is broad consensus that migration for work purposes can help solve shortages in specific sectors.

Why it matters
This study highlights the nuanced views Europeans hold on labour migration, balancing economic benefits with concerns about competition, strain on public services and cultural tension. At Verian, we are experts in uncovering these complex social dynamics, providing evidence-based insights that inform policy and foster constructive dialogue.

For more details, consult the full Verian report and the Wilfried Martens Centre publication.