Great Expectations: Migrants in Germany

Germany has become the destination of choice for so many of the thousands of refugees heading across Europe. Many have dubbed the German Chancellor ‘Mama Merkel’ after the very public welcome she extended to them. But for those who make it there what is life really like? And can the cities receiving them cope with the ever growing numbers?

India Rakusen travels to the city of Hamburg to find out. Around 500 migrants are arriving there every day. She spends time with Ali, a young man travelling alone from Afghanistan, and Alaa, a young woman who’s travelled with her two sisters from Syria. What are their first impressions and how long can the feeling of relief last? We explore their expectations from Germany and ask whether they will ever become a reality.

(Photo: Welcome to Germany, Credit: Getty Images)