Personal stories

'Germany is becoming my homeland, but what is a homeland without a family?'

At just 17 years old, Mohammad Qasem has been seperated from his parents for over two years. His family stayed behind in Syria when the young refugee fled to Germany. He's hoping to reunite with his family soon, but Germany's asylum policy does not make this easy. He tries to stay upbeat in spite of these obstacles and hopes to one day become a doctor.

Bekir Ben, from immigrant to 'Italian artist'

Bekir Ben is a 49-year old Tunisian painter and sculptor. He arrived in Italy 26 years ago, his talent discovered by Italian artists who had admired his work at a hotel in Tunisia. Since then, Bekir has started his adventure as an artist, travelling from Rome to Palermo, where he has been living with his family for over 10 years now.

This former refugee helps others find their way in Italy

Emad Shuman arrived in Italy three decades ago, as a refugee trying to escape the war in Lebanon. Today, he's cultural mediator for Oxfam Italy, and helping other refugees find their way in Italy.

'One dies in Libya'

It took an Eritrean migrant saved by the Italian coast guard ship Diciotti three and a half years to go from Sudan to Milan, Italy. ''One dies in Libya,'' Josief said.

For Shrazi, a Pakistani migrant in Libya, escape is the only option

Although thousands of migrants have arrived successfully in Europe on makeshift boats from Libya and Turkey, not all attempts are successful. One Pakistani migrant recalls his tragic journey in the Mediterranean Sea, the dangers in Libya and his "small dreams" for the future.

'Europe is not what you expect it to be'

Pakistani migrant Shahid Ali left his studies for a dream of a better life in Europe only to find out that the continent was not what he expected it to be. Now back in Pakistan and trying to put his life back on track, Shahid is clear about one thing - it's not worth it.

'Christian refugees face the same problems as anybody else'

Syrian national Nabil Jozeph Abou Hamad came to Germany in 2015 with the aim of building a new life here. As the young war refugee finds himself engulfed in dealing with logistical, legal and social problems, none of his plans for professional and personal development have materialized.

From Afghan refugee to British politician

Peymana Assad, whose parents came to the UK as refugees 25 years ago, is playing an active role in British politics. In an interview with DW, she talks about her political activities and far-right extremism in Britain.

Gambian asylum seeker in Germany works to build cultural bridges

Yahya, a former school teacher, fled to Europe after facing political persecution in The Gambia. Now living in Germany, he told InfoMigrants his story and shared his aspirations of becoming a leader in the Germany's Gambian community.

A Gambian refugee in Germany with a passion for integration

When Seedy Saidykhan came to Germany as a refugee in 2016, he knew he wanted to make things work. Despite many obstacles, the 20-year old has come a long way. He founded an informative website for migrants and is now an outspoken supporter of integration.

Malian refugee Soumaila seeks future in Italy as a lawyer

Soumaila was forced to flee Mali due to his work in an opposition party. He first fled to Algeria and then Italy, experiencing the tragic situation of Libya in between. Now he wants to build a future in Italy as a lawyer.

After three years in Germany, an Iraqi refugee returns to his country

After staying three years in Germany, and having experienced tough circumstances in his home country, an Iraqi refugee has made the decision to return. What's his reasoning behind the decision?