Personal stories

Alaa Houd: Going back to Syria is not an option

Alaa Houd came to Germany as a refugee in late 2014, when the massive influx of asylum seekers into Europe had not yet begun. Nearly three years later, he is not quite settled yet, but returning to Syria is impossible.

Mohsin Hamid: Writers need to create 'optimistic visions' of the future

Pakistani author Mohsin Hamid believes it's important for writers to help society imagine radical, optimistic new futures. He spoke with DW about his latest book, "Exit West," a story about migration and basic humanity.

The story of an Eritrean teenager poet

The story of the journey of M., a poet teenager who fled from Eritrea, and his experience of migration has been depicted in a video produced by the European Asylum Support Office (EASO). The aim is to invite other asylum seekers to enter the European relocation programme.

From Syria to Italy for love

Fadi fell in love with Aya after he saw her in a wedding video. He was living in Sweden, but as it turned out, getting Aya to relocate was much more difficult than he thought.

'It's not worth the danger'

Arman Khan is a journalist who made the perilous journey from his country to Germany. He tells InfoMigrants how he escaped from Afghanistan and reached Germany over four years ago.

'It's better to try for a new life'

This is the story of Ramadan, who fled Ethiopia because he did not want to fight in the army any longer. For years, he has been wandering around Europe, looking for a place to settle. Now, he is building his future in Italy.

Afghan 'Little Picasso' offered Serbian citizenship

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has offered a Serbian passport to a 10-year-old Afghan refugee famous for his artistic talent. The boy previously helped raise money for a Serbian cancer patient.

Gay Imam of Pakistani origin tells his story of escape : Part 2

In the first part, Sameer told InfoMigrants about his marriage, divorce and escape after he was exposed as a homosexual man. In the second part of his story, he talks about how his situation nearly drove him to suicide and how he managed to get out of the country.

Gay Imam of Pakistani origin tells his story of escape : Part 1

Sameer* was born and brought up in Pakistan to become an Imam or Muslim preacher in a mosque. He always knew he was gay, but social pressure prevented him from revealing his sexuality. When his secret was exposed, he faced threats to his life and was forced to seek refuge in several countries, but to no avail.

Restaurant run by refugees promotes integration in Italy

A restaurant in Turin called Zenobia is managed by a family of Syrian refugees who want to promote integration.

Syrian refugee: 'German laws forced me to return!'

Many refugees return to their home countries because of the money the German government offers them for repatriation. But one Syrian family has decided to leave Germany for different reasons.

Suleiman's story: integration through technology

Suleiman Ali is a Somali refugee who fled violence and traveled to Italy where he now works as a Big Data junior expert.