The German consumer bankruptcy law and moral hazard – the case of indebted immigrants

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extent the increased insolvency filings by migrants since the enactment of the consumer insolvency law in 1999 is associated with moral hazard. It describes the profile of migrant debtors and highlights the areas of moral hazard. This study aims to propose changes to the consumer bankruptcy system. Design/methodology/approach - Empirical evidence for this work consists of primary data from 435 individuals mainly with immigration background, who were declared bankrupt by district courts (Amtsgericht). Both qualitative and quantitative research types were used. Interviews helped to attain an in-depth understanding of the way in which any misconduct may take place. Quantitative data were gathered to understand the debt profile of migrant debtors, types of liabilities and creditors’ reactions to write-off requests. Findings - The paper provides empirical insights about the way misconduct is pursued and suggests that neither party, i.e. the debtors through debt counsellors and creditors/factoring companies or their representatives, is entirely free of unethical practice. Hence, the paper stresses the need to establish public agencies, which provide joint mediation services for private debtors and their creditors alike. Research limitations/implications - Data collected for the purpose of this study may not be comprehensive because given the sensitivity of the area of study that is misconduct – including breaking the law – not all machinations may have been revealed and described in this work. Therefore, further research needs to be conducted in this field. Practical implications - The paper has implications for policymakers. Consumer bankruptcy system is relatively new and needs to be amended to allow debtors and creditors to negotiate write-offs not by sending countless letters through their respective representatives, which is also carried out over a long period of time, but to try to come to terms in one agency, which is responsible for both sides. Social implications - The findings in this paper may provide some valuable insights, which could also give impulses to debates on problems that may come with immigration. Originality/value - To the best of the author’s knowledge, no research exists that analyzes the topic at hand with such extensive data and using both methods of research at the same time.