Germany

Germany: New Laws and Regulations in November 2024

This November brings various new regulations impacting many aspects of life in Germany. These include updated laws on gender and name changes, the option to receive identification documents by post, reduction of bureaucracy and the introduction of the Economic Identification Number for self-employed individuals and businesses. Additionally, knives will be banned in public places and a group of asylum-seekers will …

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Virginia Greiner, Cornelia Strunz receive HeldinnenAward in Berlin

On Friday, Berlin’s Rotes Rathaus, the historic town hall of the German capital city, played host to the annual HeldinnenAward (‘HeroinesAward’) ceremony. This year’s recipients, Virginia Wangare Greiner and Dr Cornelia Strunz, who each received 5,000 euros, were honoured for their many years of dedicated work in combating female genital mutilation (FGM). Awarded by the Alice Schwarzer Foundation, the HeldinnenAward …

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Ghanaians in Germany petition for reduced passport fees

A Ghanaian association has submitted a formal appeal to Ghana’s Ambassador to Germany, Her Excellency Gina Blay, requesting a reduction in the fees charged by the embassy for passport issuance. The embassy charges 300 euros for new passport applications. The letter, signed by Mr Emmanuel Danso on behalf of the ‘Ghanaian Community Germany’, outlines several key reasons for the requested …

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Trade fair brings global shopping experience to Berlin

Bazaar Berlin, the popular annual trade fair, will take place from 6 to 10 November  2024 at the Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds. This year, the event will feature more than 500 exhibitors from over 60 countries, offering a unique blend of cultural diversity and craftsmanship. Visitors can explore a wide range of products, including handmade crafts, fashion, jewelry, home décor, …

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German city celebrates 10th Anniversary of Black History Weeks

This November, the city of Erlangen marks the 10th anniversary of the Black History Weeks (BHW), a festival dedicated to honoring and exploring the contributions of people of African descent. Launched in 2015 by Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, a former city councilor in Erlangen and member of the European Parliament until 16 July 2024, BHW Erlangen aims to raise awareness of …

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Fundraising campaign for African House Berlin launched at prestigious Adlon Hotel

The African German Association (AGA) hosted a public presentation and fundraiser launch for the African House Berlin project on Friday (18 October) at the iconic Adlon Hotel. The ambitious project, led by Michael Williams Iyare, chairman of AGA, aims to create a cultural and business hub that will promote African interests in Germany.   The event, described by Iyare, a …

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Networking event for Germany’s Black entrepreneurs to hold in Berlin

On Saturday, 26 October, the dynamic partnership between Black Business Matters and SIPAB (Strengthening the International Presence of African Business) will present an exciting opportunity for Black entrepreneurs and businesses to connect, share ideas and foster meaningful relationships. The event, taking place in Berlin, aims to bring together Black business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals to form lasting business connections and …

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Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr receives German Africa Award in Berlin

Berlin witnessed a momentous occasion on the evening of 16 October 2024 as Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the dynamic mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, received the prestigious German Africa Award 2024. The President of the German Bundestag, Bärbel Bas, presented the award at the Allianz Forum, before an audience of about 180 guests, including influential figures from politics, business and civil society. …

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Bundestag passes tough regulations on public order and asylum-seekers

The German Bundestag has passed the controversial “security package,” a set of legislative reforms aimed at, among others, tightening public order and asylum regulations. The new measures, including a ban on knives at public events, will primarily impact individuals who fall under the Dublin Regulation, which requires asylum seekers to apply for protection in the first EU country they enter. …

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Webinar: Residence Permit through Free IT Certifications

YANA Berlin, a migrant support project currently being implemented by GAIDI gUG, is hosting a free online information session on Saturday, 12 October 2024, from 6pm to 8pm (German Time). The session, titled “Pathway to Residence Permit: Free Online IT Certifications,” will provide essential information for people with Duldung (toleration status) in Germany seeking to regularize their residency, as well …

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STELLENANGEBOTE

ISNB International School of Nursing Berlin GmbH Wir suchen nach LehrkräftenGestalten Sie die Pflege von morgen – Werden Sie Teil unseres internationalen Teams! Die ISNB International School of Nursing Berlin GmbH ist eine zukunftsweisendeBildungseinrichtung, die Auszubildende aus aller Welt vereint. Gemeinsam mit Ihnen wollen wir die Pflegeausbildung auf ein neues Niveau heben und innovative Lehrmethoden in einem interkulturellen Umfeld umsetzen. …

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Chronicles of a German-Born African (Part 8)

In her new short autobiographic book, Cologne-based law graduate and creative author Nesa narrates her story, of an African girl who was born in Germany but raised in the continent and now lives in the country of her birth. This is the 8th episode of Nesa’s chronicles, in which she shares how she found her way back to the work …

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Germany: New Laws and Regulations in October 2024

October 2024 brings new laws and regulations in Germany. Among other things, students will receive more financial support, winter tyres with a particular symbol will be mandatory, a new set of questions will be introduced for the driving test, support will end for Windows 11 versions and tenants will be allowed to install balcony power plants without permission. Here is …

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Germany: Webinar on how to transition from Duldung to secure legal status holds

ANNOUNCEMENT An informative online session discussing the transition from tolerated stay (Duldung) to a secure legal right of residence in Germany will be held on Wednesday, 2 October 2024. Topics to be covered at the virtual event, titled “From Tolerated Stay to Right of Residence in Germany,” include the legal frameworks governing tolerated stay, options for regularizing one’s status and …

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Germany: African ambassadors and diaspora communities celebrate unity in Berlin

Berlin hosted a significant event on Saturday 21 September aimed at fostering unity and collaboration between African diplomatic missions and the organized African communities in Germany. Organized by the African Ambassadors Group, the event, christened ‘Celebration of Africa Day with the Diaspora 2024’, saw the participation of diplomats from African embassies in Germany alongside representatives of various African associations in …

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Chronicles of a German-Born African (Part 7)

In her new short autobiographic book, Cologne-based legal scholar and creative author Nesa narrates her story, of an African girl who was born in Germany but raised in the continent and now lives in the country of her birth. This is the 7th episode of Nesa’s chronicles, in which she shares her pregnancy story and the lessons she learned along …

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German Africa Award 2024 goes to Sierra Leonean politician

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the mayor of Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone, has been awarded the German Africa Award for her innovative and unwavering commitment to sustainable urban development and local participation. The prize will be presented to the African politician by Bundestag President Bärbel Bas on 16 October 2024 at the Allianz Forum in Berlin. With her participatory approach …

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Tribute to Prince Adeniran Gbadebo at 70

Tuesday, 24 September 2024, marks the 70th birthday of Prince Adeniran Gbadebo, a Berlin-based businessman, philanthropist and distinguished member of the royal family in Igbajo, Osun State, Nigeria. Prince Gbadebo is celebrated not only for his business achievements but also for his unwavering commitment to his community, both in Nigeria and within the African diaspora in Europe. Prince Gbadebo is …

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Study reveals widespread prejudice within German police

A recent study commissioned by the German government has revealed that approximately one-third of police officers observed racist remarks made by colleagues within a one-year period. This finding is part of a comprehensive report on the everyday experiences and attitudes of police officers, conducted by the German Police University. The study (Motivation, Einstellung und Gewalt im Alltag von Polizeibeamtinnen und …

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Bürgerfest: German president celebrates civic engagement and ties with Kenya

On 13-14 September 2024, Schloss Bellevue in Berlin, the official residence of the German President, hosted the annual Bürgerfest (Citizen Festival), a two-day event celebrating civic engagement. President William Ruto addressing the opening ceremony of the Bürgerfest while his wife Rachel Ruto looks on/Photo: All Photos: AfricanCourierMedia This year’s festival had a special focus on Africa, with Kenya as the …

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