The plight of African students from Ukraine in Germany

The deportation of African students from Ukraine has emerged as a significant concern within the African community, prompting discussions on immigration policies, racial discrimination, and the treatment of these students.

This incident has sparked a debate on the ethical implications surrounding such actions. Many argue that these deportations are unjust and discriminatory, targeting individuals solely based on their nationality or ethnicity. The deportation of unsuccessful asylum seekers has surged, with over 7,800 individuals removed from Germany between January and June 2023, marking a 27% increase compared to the same period in previous years.

These deportation efforts do not only hinder their educational opportunities but also seriously affect their personal lives and future prospects.

Despite the German government's active recruitment of skilled labor from Africa, signalling a new direction in development cooperation related to migration, challenges persist. Why not help those already in the country rather than swapping human beings as commodities? The deportation of African students who fled Ukraine to Germany are under unclear and unsubstantiated reasons. Lawyer Iyare Imasi and Sista Oloruntoyin has been actively involved in consulting and confronting authorities on behalf of students of African descent on this matter.

This situation demands thoughtful consideration of why they encounter discrimination in their pursuit of a residence permit for studying, training, and working as skilled individuals.

This surge further complicates the situation and is very confusing for African students who sought refuge in Germany from the war in Ukraine, facing discrimination in their pursuit of a residence permit for education and skilled work.

Tano Omaboe