A Decade in Europe: Migrants' Quest for Belonging

The Journey of Migrants in Europe: A Decade of Struggle and Resilience

Ten years ago, a massive wave of migrants arrived in Europe, fleeing from conflict, poverty, and instability. These individuals had traveled for years, driven by the hope of finding peace, prosperity, or stability. Many eventually found refuge in countries like Italy, Germany, and Belgium. However, the journey to truly belong continues. After receiving asylum, securing jobs, and learning new languages, four migrants who spoke with Reuters still feel torn between their past and present.

They are haunted by memories of their homelands—forests in northern Nigeria, rivers in Syrian towns, and the trauma of child abuse in Afghanistan. At the same time, their presence has reshaped communities across the continent, contributing to a transformed Europe.

Naziru Usman Abubakar: A Dream of Education

Naziru Usman Abubakar fled Maiduguri in 2014 after violence by Boko Haram insurgents. He carried his school certificate with him, believing that higher education was essential for his future. His document got wet during a dangerous boat journey from Libya to Italy in 2016, but it remained a symbol of his past.

His first home in Europe was a migrant reception center in Turin, where he struggled with the Italian language. Eventually, he moved into his own place, learned the language, and worked as a plumber and dishwasher. Despite these efforts, he often felt lonely and lost.

He missed the forests of Nigeria and the comfort of his mother’s encouragement. But after discovering an online scholarship, he pursued a law degree at Turin University, graduating in 2024. Today, he works at a migrant center, helping others with asylum applications and hopes to apply for Italian citizenship in 2026.

Ehab Mzeal: The Fragile Peace of Home

Ehab Mzeal and his wife arrived in Germany in 2015 after a long and perilous journey from Syria. They faced threats from Islamic State and government forces, enduring months of hardship. Their arrival in Germany brought relief, but the dream of a peaceful life soon faded.

Adapting to a new culture and language was challenging. Mzeal, a former state employee, became depressed. However, the birth of his third daughter lifted his spirits. Today, he lives in Luebeck, working as a nurse and raising his children.

Despite his gratitude for the shelter Germany provided, Mzeal cannot return to Syria. He worries about being deported and is unable to visit his homeland. The canal in Luebeck reminds him of a river in Deir el-Zor, a constant reminder of what he left behind.

Nadia Feyzi: Living in a State of Uncertainty

Nadia Feyzi arrived in Germany in 2016, fleeing Afghanistan after a forced marriage and early motherhood. She lived in transit, without valid residency, relying on her car as a temporary home. Her daughter was removed from her custody due to housing concerns, and she has struggled to regain control of her life.

Feyzi studied media design and worked in theater, but her residency status remains uncertain. She applied for over 180 jobs and received none. Despite this, she remains determined, writing a book inspired by Afghan women’s stories. She dreams of finally feeling at home in Germany.

Youssef Hammad: A Life Divided Between Two Worlds

Youssef Hammad, born in Yemen but raised in Gaza, left the region in 2014 seeking a better future. He faced multiple attempts to cross borders, eventually arriving in Greece. He later moved to Belgium, where he built a life with his wife and daughter.

Despite his success, Hammad still dreams of visiting Gaza, where his family suffers from war and destruction. His heart remains with his homeland, even as he tries to build a future in Europe.

These stories reflect the complex realities of migrants in Europe—a mix of struggle, resilience, and longing. Each individual carries the weight of their past while striving to create a new life in a foreign land.