Germany

Supporting migrants in Germany in their native language 

By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock YouTube If you’re thinking of returning to your country of origin but have questions about what life is like in the country or what support you can receive once you’ve gone back, virtual counselling may provide you with the help you need. Virtual Counselling is …

Read More »

German population will shrink without immigration – report

Only with permanent immigration of around 400,000 people per year, could the population in Germany grow to 90 million inhabitants by 2070, according to a new report by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). Germany currently has 84 million inhabitants. The report is the result of the 15th coordinated population projection by Destatis, which was presented in Berlin recently. The statisticians …

Read More »

Germany: As Bürgergeld replaces Hartz IV, what you should know

The citizen’s income (Bürgergeld) will be introduced in Germany in January. The Bundesrat, the upper house of the federal parliament, approved the social reform legislation on 25 November after the lower house, the Bundestag, had earlier passed it. The Bürgergeld, which will replace the basic income support for job-seekers (Hartz IV) that was introduced in 2005, is a basic allowance …

Read More »

Germany: What you should know about the amnesty law for tolerated asylum-seekers

The German parliament, the Bundestag, passed amendments to the residence and asylum laws on 4 December. The governing coalition calls the two laws passed the first phase of its plans to reform the country’s migration laws. One of the new laws, named “opportunity for right to stay” (Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht), which enters into force on 1 January 2023, provides for the grant …

Read More »

Germany: New laws, regulations in December 2022

The year 2022 is drawing to a close, but it still brings some changes with it in December. Among other things, gas and district heating customers will receive relief payments, the winter timetable of Deutsche Bahn will commence and the ban on fire crackers ends. Here’s an overview of new laws and regulations that will come into force. —— More …

Read More »

Germany: Reduced benefits for asylum-seekers in group accommodation unconstitutional, highest court declares

According to a ruling of Germany’s highest court on constitutional matters, the reduction of benefits for single adult asylum-seekers in group accommodation facilities is unconstitutional. The regulation, according to which asylum-seekers living in group accommodation receive ten per cent less benefits than refugees living in flats, violates the basic right to be guaranteed a minimum subsistence level worthy of human …

Read More »

Germany: Chancellor backs reform of citizenship law

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has spoken out in favour of reforming Germany’s citizenship law. The country needs “better regulations” for naturalisation, the SPD politician said in his video message “Kanzler kompakt”. People who have come to Germany in the past decades have contributed greatly to making the German economy so strong, Scholz said. “Some have lived here for a very, very …

Read More »

Sierra Leoneans in Berlin raise funds for community centre

The Sierra Leone Community Berlin Brandenburg e.V. (SLCBB) has launched a fundraising campaign for a community centre in the federal capital. According to the chairperson of the SLCBB, Daphne Decker-Hora, the association is seeking to acquire a 50 square metres (m2) property in Berlin that will function as a meeting point for Sierra Leoneans and their friends as well as …

Read More »

TANG networks African associations in Berlin!

In its efforts to bring African associations as well as Christian and Muslim organisations together, The African Network of Germany (TANG) convened its first network meeting on Sunday 20 November 2022. The event, attended by 22 participants who represented 15 groups, took place in the expansive office of TANG in the federal capital. In his welcome address, Femi Awoniyi, the …

Read More »

Nigerian minister to be honoured in Berlin on Saturday

The Honourable Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, will be honoured on Saturday (19 November) in Berlin, Germany. The FCT comprises the city of Abuja and its satellite towns. The Award/Gala Night, at which the 52-year-old minister will be bestowed with an award for excellence in public service, will take place …

Read More »

African Associations and Churches in Berlin to Meet on Sunday

The first Network Meeting of African social, cultural, development, national and religious organisations in Berlin takes place on Sunday, 20 November 2022. Convened by The African Network of Germany TANG e.V., the meeting is to bring African organisations together to get to know each other and collectively identify the needs of their community and deliberate on how to address these …

Read More »

German president calls for unity in ‘state of nation’ speech

Frank-Walter Steinmeier has warned of “tougher years” ahead for Germany and also called for action on climate change and pledged support for Ukraine. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivered what has been dubbed a “state of the nation” speech on Friday (28 October) at his official residence, Bellevue Palace. The theme of his remarks was “what connects us makes us stronger.” …

Read More »

Germany: How to institutionalise African youth education awards

The African Youth Education Awards (AYEA) 2022 marked its 10th anniversary on Saturday, 22 October, in Hamburg. The prestigious venue, a hall in the historic building housing the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hamburg, was packed full of young people, their parents and guests, including diplomats, politicians, city officials and a vice-president of the German federal parliament (Bundestag), Aydan …

Read More »

Germany: Group launches Information Webinar Series for African Refugees from Ukraine

A group supporting Africans who had fled the war in Ukraine and are currently seeking refuge in Germany has launched a series of online information sessions. The webinar series, implemented by the non-profit organisation Horizon Resource Network under the auspices of ‘Help for Africans from Ukraine in Germany’ (HAUG), is to provide an orientation guide to the affected Africans, who …

Read More »

Germany: African-owned company opens old people’s home

Early this year, Gosab Group, a provider of nursing care service in Germany owned by Nigerian-born entrepreneur Godfrey Chukwuemeka Evurulobi, took over the management of an old people’s home in Pulheim-Stommeln, a small town in North Rhine-Westphalia. Before taking over the nursing home from Caritas, the Gosab Group – comprising Gosab Personalmanagement & Consulting, Gosab Care GmbH and Gosabflex GmbH …

Read More »

Germany: What poverty looks like in a rich country

Amid soaring inflation, particularly for food and energy, the gap between rich and poor in Germany is widening. Incremental increases to social safety nets will do little to alleviate the problem, experts warn. A special report by Sabine Kinkartz/DW Although Germany is one of the richest countries in the world, signs of increasing poverty are becoming increasingly visible across the …

Read More »