I went from Bosnia to get a job and earn in Germany, then my dream became a DISASTER (PHOTO)

Ismir Muslic from Zenica was unemployed for 2 years, and he went to Germany a year ago where the medical staff was needed, and now he retells his experience. 

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- My expectations weren't high. I just wanted to work and to earn enough to feed my family. I had no perspective in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) - Ismir describes the reasons why he headed to Germany last year in shortest terms.

Ismir is the first post war generation that went to Medical school. After that he went to University in Sarajevo, which he leaves after family problems after two years. After that he was an intern in the hospital where he to search better future in Italy, which was popular at the moment. After failed transfer to Italy and not working in his line of work, he supported him and his family doing other jobs. Two years ago he was without a job and going to Germany was the only light point because they needed medical staff. 

After meeting the mediator with great promises for the work in Germany, Ismir goes to two probation periods which were "unorganized and without respecting the agreement".

Foto: Facebook/Ismir Muslić

- In Munich it wasn't so bad, but in Stuttgart was catastrophic. In Bosnia we were promised one thing, but in reality, everything was different. First they asked us when are we starting? We had to explain to them that we can't start working until we get Visas and work permits because we are coming from the country that is not the member of the EU. So i saw that something is not quite right and that our mediator did not tell them we can't start working immediately. We worked for two days in a hospital in two shifts. Even though the accommodation was promised to us, food and money for transport, we slept in departments with patients, eat what we brought from home and we took care of our expenses. After two days, we were asked to leave the hospital - said Ismir.

After returning to BiH and spending the little savings i had, Ismir talks to the second mediator. This time a married couple from Republika Srpska. Thanks to them he leaves to a hospital near Hamburg where he gets a job in the intensive care for pulmonary patients.

- In Hamburg i met German culture, people, the way they work and think for the first time. Employer had the precise answer to all of my questions, to all of my problems he had precise solutions. At least i thought so - said Ismir.

Promised wage was 1.900 euros per month (gross), or 1.300 (net) was enough for living at first. He payed 430 euros for a studio of 20 square meters. With the rent, he had to pay for the food, clothes and of course, save something and send it to his family in Bosnia. When the time came for the family to meet, which was Ismir's aspiration since he went to Germany, the problems arise and the promise of the mediator and employment in the line of work seems totally different.

- First i had to give the documentation needed for merging of family, the contract longer than six months. Mine lasted for four months and the boss did not want to prolong it because at the moment i did not have the conformation of knowing German language at B2 level, which the mediator did not tell me at all. I was told that B1 was enough - said disappointed Ismir.

- When it comes to merging of the family, the subject is very complicated and demands expertise. Everything must be done in consultation with the office responsible for foreigners, the German Embassy or professional people - says Dietmar Bandke, who along with her husband Khalid opened an office in which medical staff and caregivers of BiH provides information on employment in Germany.

Bandke shows that the requirements for family reunification can be submitted at the earliest after the expiry of the probationary period, which typically lasts for six months, because only after this period we can speak about the concrete work contract. Processing documentation in Germany Embassy takes about three months because everything must take place with the cooperation and approval of the Office for Foreigners.

- Bigger apartment is needed for a growing family and a monthly income must be sufficient to support a family, pay rent, heating, electricity, water, insurance, clothes, shoes ... As evidence that this particular person possesses that, three last wages are enclosed - explains Bandke to Deutsche Welle.

For qualified carers this is not a problem, while family reunification for people who work as assistants to the caregiver, it is difficult and almost impossible.

- All those who are planning to come to work in Germany, they must seek expert advice. Because in the end, if everything is not realized, disappointment is great, and a lot of plans for a common future with family in Germany burst like a soap bubble - says Bandke.

Ismir has found a new employer and created all necessary conditions for family reunification. He was given an unlimited employment contract and found a bigger place. Despite the bad experience he had, as he says, a lack of information on conditions of employment, Ismir said to all of those who plan to come to Germany for work:

- Contact trusted agencies and serious people who will connect you with reliable employers. Since the citizens of BiH have easier access to German work market, the great number of agencies appeared that send people, and they don't take care about them after that. This is a regulated country where laws must be respected. You should not have great expectations at first. It will come on its own, but only later will come what you are dreaming in BiH. It must be forgotten at the start - said Ismir Muslic.

(Telegraf.co.uk / source: nezavisne.com)