This edited book argues that a new perspective on immigration is needed. As many advanced economies are ageing, and their populations stagnate or decline, immigrants are increasingly required to fill in the gaps left behind by shrinking workforces. Against this backdrop, the outdated view that it is – and can only be – a privilege for immigrants to move temporarily from less to more developed economies needs a rethink. In particular, questions about how attractive a host destination can be for immigrants; not just in economic, but also in social, political, linguistic, and cultural terms should be raised.

Considering in detail the situation in Japan and Germany – Japan where there are hardly any convenience stores without foreign employees, Germany where retirement homes would no longer function without foreign nursing staff – the book analyses migration to these two countries in different aspects such as education, training, and labour market participation, and policies and actions on the part of the state and policymakers in rendering moving to and living in these countries worthwhile.

Bringing together leading scholars active in diverse aspects of migration in Japan and Germany, this book will be a valuable resource to students and scholars with an interest in immigration issues in these two countries specifically, and Europe and Asia more broadly.