How People in the Middle East and North Africa See Germany

Introduction

Germany has long been a destination of choice for people from the Middle East and North Africa. Whether drawn by work opportunities, study programmes, family reunification, or the search for safety, millions of people from this region now call Germany home. But how is Germany perceived by those who have not yet made the move — or who still have family and community ties to the region? A new survey across seven MENA countries offers some answers, and the findings carry practical relevance for expats navigating life between two worlds.

Germany's Image in the MENA Region

The survey results paint a broadly positive picture. Across the seven countries and territories covered, Germany is associated with quality, reliability, and economic strength. These are consistent themes that align with how Germany markets itself internationally — as a stable, prosperous country with strong institutions and a well-functioning economy.

For people in the MENA region who are considering migration or who have family members already in Germany, this positive image can translate into real expectations: that life in Germany will be orderly, that institutions will function, and that hard work will be rewarded. These expectations are not always wrong, but they can also set up a gap between perception and the more complex reality of daily life as a newcomer — dealing with bureaucracy, language barriers, and the challenges of integration.

Interests Over Ideals

Despite the overall positive image, the survey reveals an important nuance: many respondents in MENA countries see Germany as a country guided more by its own economic and political interests than by the values it publicly promotes — democracy, human rights, and international solidarity.

This perception likely reflects Germany's foreign policy record in the region, including its arms exports, trade relationships, and its positions on various conflicts. For expats from MENA countries living in Germany, this finding may resonate personally. Many have experienced the gap between Germany's stated values on integration and asylum, and the day-to-day reality of navigating the Ausländerbehörde or the asylum system.

Understanding this perception gap is useful. It helps contextualise both the hopes that newcomers bring with them and the frustrations that sometimes follow when expectations meet reality.

What This Means for Expats from MENA Countries

For the large and diverse community of people from the Middle East and North Africa living in Germany, this survey is a mirror held up to both sides of their experience. On one hand, Germany remains a country of real opportunity — with a strong labour market, publicly funded healthcare, and a legal framework that, despite its complexity, offers significant protections. On the other hand, perceptions of Germany as self-interested rather than values-driven can create friction, particularly when it comes to questions of belonging, discrimination, and political participation.

Expats from MENA countries are not a monolithic group. They include highly skilled workers on the Blaue Karte EU, students, refugees with protected status, long-term residents working toward Einbürgerung, and family members who arrived through reunion programmes. Each of these groups will interact with German institutions differently and will have distinct experiences of how the country's stated values translate into practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Germany's image abroad affect immigration policy?

Not directly, but public perception in origin countries can influence migration patterns and the profile of people who choose Germany as a destination. A positive image tends to attract more skilled workers and students, which aligns with Germany's current policy goals around labour migration.

Where can expats from MENA countries find support in Germany?

There are numerous organisations supporting integration for people from the Middle East and North Africa. BAMF-funded Integrationskurs programmes are a key starting point. Many cities also have community organisations, cultural associations, and legal aid services specifically for Arabic-speaking residents. Your local Jobcenter or social services office can point you toward relevant resources.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Germany's positive image in the MENA region reflects real strengths — stability, opportunity, and quality of life. But the perception that Germany is driven by interests over ideals is also worth taking seriously. For expats already living here, it is a reminder that navigating German institutions requires both realistic expectations and a clear understanding of your rights and options.

If you are from a MENA country and are at an early stage of your life in Germany, investing in language skills through an Integrationskurs and understanding your Aufenthaltstitel are the two most impactful steps you can take. If you are further along and considering long-term residence or Einbürgerung, seeking professional legal advice on your specific situation is strongly recommended.

Source: The Local