Motives of Indian Nurses Moving to Germany in the Context of Skilled Labor Migration in Healthcare

Background/Objectives: Skilled labor migration of nurses from low- and middle-income to high-income countries is a growing global phenomenon. While Germany increasingly recruits internationally trained nurses to address severe nursing shortages, existing research has predominantly focused on post-migration experiences, leaving the pre-migration phase unexplored. Drawing on the case of Kerala, India, this study examines the motives driving Indian nurses to migrate to Germany during the preparatory phase of migration. Methods: The qualitative study draws on individual and group interviews with 22 Indian nurses from Kerala participating in a pre-migration preparatory course. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, with Herzberg’s two-factor theory serving as a theoretical lens. Results: In total, the findings demonstrate that nurses’ decisions to migrate to Germany are shaped by a complex and interrelated set of motives encompassing personal fulfillment, socio-cultural aspirations and professional development. The intrinsic motivation to engage with a new language and culture emerged as a particularly salient finding, representing a dimension frequently overlooked in existing research. Applying Herzberg’s theory, migration decisions appear to result from an interplay of intrinsic motivators like career advancement and the perceived absence of fundamental extrinsic conditions such as adequate salary and social security in the country of origin. Conclusions: The findings have practical implications for practitioners, policymakers, employers and training providers. Preparatory programs could extend beyond language and professional training to include cultural preparation and realistic expectation management, while integration measures in Germany could be tailored to the actual needs and motives of internationally recruited nurses.