The Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia has revealed that last year, the country saw a total of 35,613 individuals making the country their new home through immigration.
A majority of these newcomers, constituting 61 per cent, fell within the age bracket of 25 to 64 years. A breakdown of their educational backgrounds reveals that 31 per cent had basic education or below, 54 per cent possessed upper secondary education, and 15 per cent held tertiary education qualifications.
According to the same source, in 2022, 20,956 people decided to leave Slovenia and embark on new journeys elsewhere. Among these emigrants, 70 per cent were aged 25 to 64. Similar to the incoming population, the education spectrum of those departing comprised 22 per cent with basic education or less, 59 per cent with upper secondary education, and 19 per cent with tertiary education.
Data also show that 40 per cent of those aged 25 to 64 with Slovenian citizenship held tertiary education qualifications. However, foreign immigrants in the same age group exhibited a notably lower percentage, with only 13 per cent having tertiary education.
The education gap between emigrants with Slovenian citizenship (40 per cent tertiary education) and foreign emigrants (ten per cent tertiary education) is evident.
Among immigrants, 177 were doctors of science. Among emigrants, 145 had this level of education.
Further statistics revealed that comparing the education structures of Slovenian and foreign citizens aged 25 to 64 in 2022, both immigrating and emigrating, highlighted a significant alignment with broader population trends.
Over Half of 2022 Immigrants to Slovenia Come for Employment
During the same year, out of the 31,905 foreign nationals who chose Slovenia as their new home, a significant 51 per cent arrived primarily for employment purposes. In addition, 22 per cent immigrated to reunite with their family members, marking a substantial proportion.
The category of immigrants with various other reasons, such as those with temporary protection status, accounted for 20 per cent, representing a higher-than-usual figure.
About five per cent of foreign immigrants came to Slovenia to pursue their education.
Moreover, among Slovenian citizens aged 25 to 64 who immigrated last year, 38 per cent were employed by the year’s end, while foreign immigrants in the same age group had a higher employment rate at 70 per cent. In terms of emigration, 37 per cent of Slovenian citizens who left in 2022 were employed before departure, compared to a more significant 72 per cent of foreign emigrants.
As of January 1, 2023, 78 per cent of Slovenia’s total population aged 25 to 64 were employed, highlighting the country’s overall employment situation.
