Ten years after the escape: This is how families in Oberhavel live today

Ten years after the escape: This is how families in Oberhavel live today

There are exciting developments in Cologne when it comes to the integration of refugees. A striking example of this is the Shams family, who came to Germany from Afghanistan over ten years ago. They initially lived in shared accommodation, but eventually moved to newly built apartments in Lehnitz. The challenges of their escape and the adversities associated with it are an impressive testimony to the fight for integration and the creation of a new life in Germany.

Kamaluddin Shams, 40 years old and currently working as a security guard in a security company, describes his career as successful. Despite the setbacks his family has suffered, he and his wife Nilufar, who is also looking for a new job, have overcome the hurdles of integration. Kamaluddin has completed B1 and B2 language courses and is therefore well positioned to gain a foothold in the German job market. However, he will lose his temporary contract in the shared accommodation on the former airport site in Berlin-Tegel at the end of this month, without information about a possible extension.

Challenges and successes

For many refugees like the Shams family, integration into the labor market is the key to economic independence. Around 1.5 million asylum seekers applied in Germany between 2013 and 2016, meaning many like the Shams family need support to find their place. Kamaluddin emphasizes that finding a job is a major obstacle, even if the integration has been successful overall. However, the majority of asylum seekers who are looking for work have to be prepared for long waiting times before they can gain access to the labor market.

Another impressive case is Ibrahim Asuliman, who came to Germany from Syria in 2015. He also lived in shared accommodation until 2018 before he was able to move into his own apartment. He has already taken an important step by getting a job as a nurse at the Berlin Charité. However, he had to wait a whole year to have his Syrian degree recognized. Since October he has been completing further training to become a surgical nurse, while his wife is taking a language course so that she can also work in the medical field.

Long-term prospects for refugee families

The integration of refugees into the labor market is at the center of many discussions about the future of Germany. The Federal Employment Agency has taken various measures to promote labor market integration. The more support refugees find in their new home country, the greater the chance that they will be able to support themselves. The results of the IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees show positive developments, even if there are still many challenges to be overcome, especially for women, who often face greater hurdles.

It is clear that the security situation in the countries of origin, particularly in Syria, remains a major problem. Ibrahim Asuliman vehemently states that returning is out of the question for him. Integration is not an easy path, but both Kamaluddin and Ibrahim are examples that with commitment and support, steps towards a better quality of life are possible.

A clear look at the individual stories of the refugees shows how important it is to support these people in their integration into society. Language acquisition, professional qualifications and access to social networks are essential to finding a place in German society. The development remains exciting, even if there is still a lot to do to create real equal opportunities for everyone.