Studies have shown that the employment rate of immigrants in the European Union (EU) has reached its highest level on record. According to a new report, immigrants are becoming increasingly integrated into Europe’s labor market, while the employment gap between native-born workers and immigrants continues to narrow. However, the study also highlights that the skills and qualifications of many immigrants—particularly women and highly educated migrants from non-EU countries—remain significantly underutilized.
According to a report prepared by the Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration (CReAM) under the Rockwool Foundation Berlin, based on Eurostat data, the employment rate of immigrants in the EU increased from 67.8 percent in 2024 to 68.2 percent in 2025, marking the highest immigrant employment rate ever recorded in the bloc.
The study found that the greatest improvement occurred among immigrants from non-EU countries. Their employment rate rose from 59.4 percent in 2017 to 66 percent in 2025, significantly narrowing the employment gap with native-born Europeans. Likewise, the employment rate of EU citizens who moved from one member state to another increased from 71.1 percent to 74.8 percent during the same period. Meanwhile, the employment rate among native-born citizens climbed from 67.2 percent to 71.6 percent, the report noted.
The Growing Importance of Immigrants to Europe’s Economy
Experts say that Europe’s aging population, declining birth rates, and persistent shortage of skilled workers have deepened labor shortages across many countries. As a result, immigrant workers have become indispensable in sectors such as healthcare, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality, information technology, and elderly care. The report notes that rising immigrant employment is expected to make a significant contribution to the EU’s economic growth and labor market stability.
Another study published earlier found that the number of immigrants living in the European Union reached 64.2 million by 2025—the highest level in EU history. Germany remains the largest destination for immigrants, while Spain has recorded the fastest growth in its immigrant population in recent years.
The report also reveals considerable differences in immigrant employment across EU member states. Employment rates among non-EU immigrants are highest in Malta, the Czech Republic, and Ireland, while Belgium and Finland record comparatively lower rates. In Germany, the employment rate for immigrants stands at 66.1 percent, compared with 79.6 percent among native-born Germans, illustrating that a significant employment gap still exists even in one of Europe’s strongest economies.
According to Tommaso Frattini, Deputy Director of CReAM, immigrant employment has been rising steadily for many years and is now approaching the level of native-born workers. Nevertheless, the greatest challenge remains the inadequate utilization of immigrants’ education, professional experience, and skills.
Christian Dustmann, Director of the Rockwool Foundation Berlin, emphasized that Europe’s priority should no longer be simply finding jobs for immigrants, but ensuring that they are employed in positions that match their education, qualifications, and professional expertise. The report recommends faster recognition of foreign qualifications, expanded language training, improved skills development programs, and stronger employment policies targeting immigrant women.
Positive Signs for Nepalis Seeking Opportunities in Europe
The findings also carry important implications for the growing number of Nepalis living in or planning to move to Europe. According to the report, the changing labor market presents encouraging opportunities for Nepali students and workers. Although demand for labor continues to increase across European countries, immigrants can benefit fully only if they possess the necessary language skills, have their professional qualifications recognized, and comply with local legal and immigration requirements.
Demand for skilled workers is expected to remain particularly strong in healthcare, construction, hospitality, agriculture, and technology over the coming years, creating new opportunities for qualified Nepali professionals and workers seeking employment in Europe.
Where Do Most Immigrants to Europe Come From?
Growing Labor Demand Makes Europe a Major Destination for Migrants, Including Increasing Numbers of Nepalis
According to Eurostat, around 4.2 million non-EU citizens migrated to European Union member states in 2024 alone. In addition, nearly 1.5 million people moved from one EU member state to another during the same period. These figures demonstrate the growing role of immigrants in shaping Europe’s labor market and demographic structure.
Currently, the major countries of origin for immigrants arriving in Europe include Ukraine, Syria, Turkey, Morocco, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nigeria, and Venezuela.
Following the Russia–Ukraine war, millions of Ukrainian citizens moved to Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and other European countries. Similarly, due to the prolonged civil war in Syria, Syrians have become one of the largest refugee communities in Europe.
Migration from Turkey and Morocco has continued for decades, particularly as labor migration. Large communities from these countries are now established in Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy.
In recent years, India has emerged as one of the leading sources of skilled workers for Europe. Indian professionals are increasingly moving to Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and other European countries for opportunities in information technology, healthcare, research, engineering, and higher education.
Likewise, the number of people arriving in Europe from Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, and Nigeria has also increased due to employment opportunities, education, and security concerns.
Why Is Europe Attracting More Immigrants?
According to migration studies, the main reasons behind the growing immigrant population in Europe are the continent’s aging population, declining birth rates, and shortage of workers.
Millions of new workers are needed in sectors such as healthcare, elderly care, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, information technology, and transportation. As a result, many European countries have adopted policies aimed at attracting skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers.
Various studies show that the number of foreign-born residents in the European Union has now surpassed 60 million. Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and Poland have become the main destinations for non-EU immigrants.
This trend has also influenced Nepali migration to Europe. In recent years, countries such as Portugal, Germany, Malta, Romania, Croatia, Poland, Spain, France, and Italy have become major destinations for Nepali students and workers.
Demand for Nepali workers has particularly increased in sectors including healthcare, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and hospitality. Migration experts say that labor shortages are expected to continue across Europe in the coming decade, creating further opportunities for skilled workers.
However, experts emphasize that immigrants who possess language skills, professional qualifications, recognized certificates, and knowledge of local legal procedures are more likely to benefit from these opportunities.
How Many Nepalis Live in Europe?
According to the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and various diplomatic sources, Europe is rapidly becoming one of the major destinations for Nepali migrants.
Every year, thousands of Nepalis travel to European countries through both legal and irregular channels. The number of Nepalis moving to Europe has increased significantly in recent years due to labor shortages in Nepal, attractive wages abroad, higher education opportunities, and prospects for permanent settlement.
Based on available data from diplomatic missions, Nepali community organizations, and migration sources, an estimated 300,000 people of Nepali origin live across Europe, including the United Kingdom.
Among them, approximately 180,000 to 250,000 Nepalis are estimated to be living in European Union member states.
The largest Nepali community in Europe is in the United Kingdom, where former Gurkha soldiers, their families, and more recent migrants who arrived for education and employment make up a significant population.
Within the European Union, Portugal has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for Nepalis. In recent years, the number of Nepalis has also increased significantly in Germany, Malta, Romania, Croatia, Poland, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, Finland, and Austria.
According to Nepal’s Department of Foreign Employment, during the first 11 months of the fiscal year 2025–26, a total of 53,951 Nepali workers received new labor approvals for 24 European countries. This indicates that Europe is becoming an increasingly important employment destination for Nepali workers alongside traditional destinations in the Gulf region.
Studies show that foreign workers are in growing demand across Europe due to aging populations, declining birth rates, and labor shortages. Nepalis are finding employment opportunities particularly in healthcare, elderly care, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, transportation, and information technology sectors.
The growing presence of Nepalis in Europe is contributing not only through remittances but also through trade, tourism, education, and stronger Nepal–Europe relations, according to various government data.
Challenges Faced by Nepalis in Europe
Despite growing opportunities, many Nepalis in Europe continue to face difficulties. Reports indicate that some migrants struggle due to low wages, lack of skills, and financial pressure after paying large sums to recruitment agents and brokers.
A significant number of Nepalis who reach Europe through unofficial channels or exploitative recruitment networks often face serious challenges, including debt, unstable employment, and poor working conditions.
In contrast, Nepalis who migrate through legal pathways or go abroad for education and professional opportunities have generally been able to secure better jobs and improve their economic situation.
Nepali embassies and the Non-Resident Nepali Association have repeatedly warned prospective migrants to avoid illegal routes and fraudulent recruitment agents. They have urged migrants to verify employment contracts, understand immigration laws, and acquire necessary skills before traveling to Europe.
