Hotel manager fights for Eritrean family in Köngen: A cry for help!

Hotel manager fights for Eritrean family in Köngen: A cry for help!

Nicole Domon, the manager of a hotel in Köngen, vehemently advocates for the rights of an Eritrean refugee family that has been living in Germany for around ten years. Meriet H. (name changed) and her husband contribute to social life through their work in local businesses. Her two children, who speak German fluently and attend elementary school, are noisy Stuttgart News However, they are concerned because the family does not have a permanent residence permit and there is a risk of deportation. Domon therefore calls for a more respectful treatment of refugees who actively work in society and need support from their employers.

This family issue is part of a larger discussion about the integration of migrants in Germany. These questions are being investigated, among other things, as part of the project “Forced Migration and Transnational Family Arrangements – Eritrean and Syrian Refugees in Germany (TransFAR)”, which is carried out by the Research Center of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) in cooperation with the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB). The aim of the project is to research family structures and their significance for the everyday lives of migrants, in particular the effects of transnational family arrangements on integration into German society. The project ran from 2017 to 2021 and the first results were published in April 2021, highlighting the complexity of family relationships in the context of migration.

Research on transnational families

The topic of transnational families is also intensively examined by other research projects. In a feasibility study (2019/20), the DeZIM Institute found that previous research had mostly focused on migration decisions and patterns, while the integration policy relevance of transnational family systems often received less attention. According to the study Transnational families are characterized by the survival of family ties across national borders, which can have an impact on social networks and the social support of members.

The relevance of these studies is also reflected in the diversity of refugee stories, each of which has individual migration motives and contexts. The family members of Eritrean and Syrian refugees in particular are the focus of the latest research, which aims to sustainably promote integration in Germany. The collection of quantitative data and personal interviews were central methods for obtaining relevant information.

Integration through social networks

The influence of social networks on the integration of migrants, especially women, plays a crucial role. The insights gained from the studies mentioned help to develop strategies that promote the social integration of migrants in Germany. Positive social contacts can not only help to overcome the challenges of a new beginning, but also strengthen the feeling of belonging and satisfaction with the new living environment.

Working together on such issues is essential to defend humanitarian values ​​while respecting the needs of refugees. Nicole Domon's commitment to the Eritrean family is an impressive example of the positive impact that individual support can have in the complex discussion about migration and integration.