The story of the Afghan minister who became a bicycle courier in Germany

Sayed Sadat was Minister of Communications of the Afghan government before move to Germany last September in the hope of a better future. He is now a delivery man in the eastern city of Leipzig.

Said some at home they reproached him for having accepted such a job after serving in the government for two years, stepping down in 2018. But for him now, a job is a job. “I have no reason to feel guilty,” said the 49-year-old, standing in his orange uniform next to his bicycle.

“I hope that other politicians also follow the same path, working with the public rather than just hiding, ”he said.

His story took on special significance with the chaos unfolding in his home after the Taliban took power. Your family and friends also want to leave, hoping to join the thousands on evacuation flights or trying to find alternative routes.

With the withdrawal of American troops on the horizon, the number of Afghan asylum seekers in Germany has increased since the beginning of the year, an increase of more than 130%, showed data from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

But even with your experience, Sadaat struggled to find a job in Germany that matches your experience.

With a degree in computer science and telecommunications, Sadaat hoped to find work in a related field. But without German his chances were slim. “Language is the most important part”said Sadaat, who also has British nationality.

Everyday four hours ago of German in a language school before starting a six o’clock evening shift meal delivery for Lieferando, where it started this summer.

“The first days they were exciting but difficult“he said, describing the challenge of learning to ride a bike in city traffic.” The more you go out and the more people you see, the more you learn, “he concluded.

– WITH INFORMATION FROM REUTERS.-