GTZ - Migration and development - Egyptians in Germany

		Migration and development

Context

Home Brain drain or brain gain? Working with the diaspora Context Starting point Remittances Business Acedemia Non-profit Objectives Diasporas Programme Participants Material Documentation Contact deutsch Themes GTZ-Home		Egyptians in Germany The Egyptian Diaspora in Germany is characterized by its high level of organization. Egyptian associations and clubs can be found in every larger city in West Germany. They are organized in an umbrella organization named "Ägyptisches Haus". The vast majority of the Egyptians in Germany have a university degree as most of them migrated to Germany to study. Number of Egyptians in Germany About 40.000 people of Egyptian origin are living in Germany In addition to the Egyptians who have been naturalized and those of the second and third generation, about 14.000 people live with an Egyptian passport in Germany. Immigration stages of Egyptians to Germany An active Arab community was already established in Berlin in the 1920's, composed of businessmen and intellectuals. In the late 1950's and early 1960's a large number of Egyptians migrated to Germany part of as a reaction to the difficult political and economic situation in Egypt. Attending university was the central reason to migrate; the high number of engineers and medical degrees is salient. Social structure of the Egyptian community in Germany The high level of organization among Egyptian associations and clubs as mentioned above is supported by the homogeneity of this immigrant group. The majority of Egyptians in Germany are Moslems the Coptic Christian minority has their own churches and monasteries. The religious differences do not lead to a cultural splitting of the community. Coptic Christians are also members in Egyptian associations and clubs. As with most Arab immigrant communities most of the Egyptians in Germany are men, women account only 24% of the community. Integration Almost all of the Egyptians living in Germany have a set resident permit status. The high number of Egyptian-German marriages has accelerated the process of naturalization of immigrants and eased the obtainment of citizenship of the second generation. As a result of the high level of education the Egyptian Diaspora is well integrated in the German labour market,most Egyptians work as physicians or engineers. Activities of the Diaspora in Germany About 25 Egyptians associations and clubs are registered in Germany and are according to their by-laws dedicated to the socio-cultural life of the Diaspora, thus are neither politically nor religiously orientated. Most of these associations are social clubs that organize social activities such a weekly dinners, lectures etc. Beyond their membership in Egyptian associations, the Coptic Christians are organized in the seven Coptic churches and two Coptic monasteries that have been established since 1975. Beyond local Egyptian association one can find initiatives that aim to enhance the cultural relationship between the Egyptian and German culture. Furthermore many Egyptians have organized themselves in their professional life as well, e.g. in the association of Egyptian physicians or the association of Egyptian businessmen. The Diaspora is committed in the economic as much as the non-profit sector in Egypt. Various projects (Orphanages in Cairo) are not only supported privately but also by associations. The "Egyptian House" co-finances the construction of a Children's Cancer Hospital in Egypt through donations, many Egyptian physicians work for a certain time per year in Egypt. Top