Germany makes it easier for expats to obtain citizenship

 

Published on 2022-11-15 at 14:00 by Ameerah Arjanee*

The German government has decided to ease its naturalization laws. From December 2022, the number of years of residency needed to apply for citizenship will be reduced from 8 to 5 years. In addition, dual citizenship will be finally allowed for all expats, not just a select few. At a time when the country is suffering from labor shortages, these amendments will likely attract more expats who hope to become EU citizens.

Dual citizenship used to be limited to a few expats 

Germany had been among the few countries in the European Union to restrict dual citizenship. Austria, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Lithuania and Latvia are other EU countries with similar restrictions. 

Meanwhile, other economically powerful EU countries with many immigrants, like France, Spain and Italy, have accepted dual citizenship for a very long time. Immigration powerhouses beyond the EU, like the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, also recognize dual citizenship. Germany's restrictive policies on this issue made it lose a competitive edge to these other competitors in the global race for skilled immigrants.

It's not that dual citizenship was impossible to obtain in Germany; it was just restricted to a few, highly specific cases. It was allowed for expats from other EU countries or Switzerland. It was also allowed for expats whose home countries didn't allow the forfeiting of their nationality (Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico).

Other exceptions were made for foreigners who were hoping to acquire citizenship by descent or ancestry. It was also exceptionally allowed for first-generation Germans with one foreign-born parent and one German parent. Alternatively, these first-generation Germans could also have two foreign-born parents, as long as one of these parents had been in Germany for at least 8 years when they were born. 

A humanitarian exception could also be made for expats who could no longer renounce their previous citizenship because of old age, health problems, or financial constraints. Renouncing one's citizenship can be a costly procedure. It costs 2,350 US dollars to renounce one's American citizenship, for instance. Expats who wished to appeal to have dual citizenship had to apply for a retention permit (“Beibehaltungsgenehmigung”).

8 years of residency used to be required for naturalization

Before the latest reforms, Germany also required a longer period of residency before expats could apply for citizenship. Expats needed to have been in Germany for 8 continuous years before they were able to renounce their former citizenship and become German citizens. 

In comparison, in France, the UK, the US and the Netherlands, expats need to have lived in the country for only 5 continuous years in order to apply for citizenship. In Australia, the requirement is even lower: 4 years. In Canada, expats need to have been in the country for 3 out of the past 5 years to start the naturalization process. While it's true that Spain and Italy have an even longer waiting time (10 years), Germany still didn't offer the most competitive conditions.

The previous German government, led by Angela Merkel from 2013 to 2021, was inflexible when it came to reforming citizenship rules. In September 2021, a new ruling tripartite coalition and a new chancellor, Olaf Sholz, were elected. This new government is more willing to amend citizenship laws, especially after the pandemic created a labor shortage in the country.

More lenient citizenship laws to boost immigration

As of December 2022, the German state will finally allow dual citizenship. The previous, hyper-specific eligibility requirements for dual citizenship will become defunct, as any expat is eligible from now on. The number of years of residency to apply for citizenship will also be reduced to 5 years, so it will finally be on par with other historical lands of immigration.

Why this relaxation of the laws now? This reform will work in favor of Germany's immigration goals. The country's current immigration target is an ambitious 400,000 new skilled workers (i.e., economic migrants) per year.

Germany faces tough competition from other (often larger) immigration powerhouses which have also increased their targets, notably Canada and Australia. The pandemic, border closures and Great Recession have created labor shortages in these countries, and they are now engaged in a race to attract global talent to fill their vacancies. Easing the path to and conditions for EU citizenship will attract many skilled expats from outside the union.

Germany is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in various sectors: healthcare, elderly care, manufacturing, construction, information technology, the natural sciences, engineering, catering, hospitality, and skilled trades (e.g., plumbing, the maintenance of electric circuits). Earlier this year, Christian Duerr, a parliamentarian of the government coalition, stressed that “the shortage of skilled workers has become so serious by now that it is dramatically slowing down our economy.” Easing citizenship laws is one of many measures the government is taking to attract immigrants. In October, they also increased the minimum wage from €10.45 to €12 to be a more attractive country to work in.

About Ameerah Arjanee

Ameerah is a lecturer and private tutor who teaches Spanish and Mandarin in Mauritius. She has also been a freelance translator, editor and content writer for a decade. Having lived in both Madrid and Beijing, she enjoys traveling.

How expats priorities have changed with the crisis

 voyageJoshua Woroniecki / Pixabay

The current global crisis has profoundly transformed the travel industry in recent months. With border closures and travel restrictions, many expats-to-be had no other choice than postponing their travel plans. Still, some of them are reviewing their plans, defining their new priorities.

New formalities

Entry formalities for foreign nationals now vary from country to country. In most of them, a negative PCR test carried out between 48 and 72 hours before arrival is essential. Many countries have also introduced a 10 to 14 days quarantine that is mandatory for all travellers. However, not everyone is willing to be quarantined for so long before they can actually start a new life abroad. For example, Victor, from France, is looking to relocate to Mauritius. "With vaccination campaigns spreading across Europe, is there a change planned in the entry policy of Mauritius for people who have been vaccinated? Is there any way to avoid quarantine or do we have to wait until Mauritians are vaccinated too? "

Health

According to a report published by Ipsos MRBI and Allianz Care, in July 2020, 62% of respondents had to postpone their travel plans. Of these, more than 53% said their priorities had changed since the start of the crisis. Today, health and well-being are now among the main concerns of 48% of expats-to-be, even more than before the crisis. And most of them are seeking answers to questions such as: What's the procedure to follow in case of COVID-19 infection? Will I have access to the local health system? Will I be covered by my health insurance?, etc.

Remote work

Irene is a young Californian who is planning her move to China where she has just got a language teaching job. She will be living in Xian for a year before travelling Southeast Asia as a digital nomad. "My plans haven't really changed. Still, I need to know, whether I will actually be able to do this, with the constantly changing visas and entry requirements", she says. In the meantime, she is waiting to be vaccinated, and for borders to reopen between the two countries. Florian, who is from France, wants to relocate to Spain. His priority is to know whether he can continue to work remotely for his current employer. "Can I keep my French contract while living in Spain? Should we make a new contract under Spanish law or simply amend my current contract?". Many like Florian are considering remote work during the crisis so that they don't have to look for another job in case things go wrong.

Find a job

Many expats move abroad for better career prospects. But with the global health crisis, resulting in a rising unemployment rate worldwide, finding a job abroad almost sounds like mission impossible. What are the most in-demand skills currently? Which countries are recruiting amidst the crisis? What other qualities do you need to stand out in a crumbling labour market? What types of contracts are currently on offer? You will mostly come across expats-to-be asking these questions on online forums and social networks as many are having to reinvent themselves.

What's the cost of living?

The crisis has obviously led to a rise in the cost of living in several countries and cities that used to be affordable for expats. According to the latest cost of living survey by ECA International, several European cities have moved up in the ranking of the world's most expensive cities, mainly due to the strength of the euro against other foreign currencies. This is one of Emilie’s concern. She is hoping to who move from France to Portugal by April. "I'll make a scouting trip first, many for 2 or 3 months, to have a better idea of ​​the cost of living and property prices", she says. She has already spotted a couple of property ads in the north of the country, but she can't wait to be there to see it on her own.

What about social life?

Moving abroad also means exploring a new country, learning more about its culture, but also meeting new people. In the COVID-19 era, with health restrictions in place in most countries and an extended lockdown in some of them, it is virtually impossible to get out and see people. Patrick is waiting for the situation to improve before relocating to Germany. “I have been planning this trip for several months, but with the new surge and the extended lockdown, I don't see what I can do about it. Bars, restaurants, museums and cinemas are also closed. I'm definitely not ready to spend days and nights locked down in my apartment".

Article translated from Quelles sont les priorités des futurs expats en 2021 ?

About Veedushi

Editorial Assistant/Content Writer at Expat.com. I have a deep interest for foreign cultures and traditions and looking to hear about your experiences abroad.

It's never too late!

Re-published from Mindanao Daily Mirror, Opinion Section, my column dated September 20, 2013 with friendly permission of my publisher Marietta F. Siongco.

I know a lot of pension expatriates living in the Philippines for good. Many of them get a big problem after staying here for only a couple of months: they get bored.

Having a vacation all day, all week, all month and all year long is really not an egg's yellow. I experienced the same in 1999 after moving to Davao City. At that time I justed turned 46.

I remember my last days in an international publishing house in Berlin (with branch offices in New York and Amsterdam. I packed up my things after signing my resignation letter. Of course, I hadn't reach my final pension age yet, but I got a lot of ideas on how to shape and organize my "new" life in the Philippines. I never forgot some office mates smiling at me: "We can't cross such bridges before we come to them!" Of course guys, you have been right!

Anyway, age doesn't matter - you can enjoy the second half of your life residing in the Philippines. As many of you know already: I stayed in many countries worldwide. I could have migrated to the U.S. I didn't. I choosed the Philippines.

Most important thing: Keep yourself busy... .

Sure, there is always a time, when we should rest and really enjoy life. Sure, we brought our savings and many of us enjoy the monthly pension in Euro or Dollar. Several weeks ago, I read a good idea in an U.S. business weekly: "Partner up with entrepreneurs who have long been in the business, or those who have just retired as well!" Worth to think about it!

Getting bored, means also for some to start grumbling and complaining about everything and everybody in the Philippines. I always keep my distance to such negative people. We are not here to change this country and its people. Why? What for? Filipinos are also not planning to change our home countries or us!

I really don't get more stressed than in my home country before. Critics reproach and accused me of living a life as expatriate while wearing pink tinted glasses. Sorry, but my conscience is very clear.

I keep myself busy, too busy sometimes: Teaching, translating, writing, in the radio, and many more things. It's never too late. It's your life! Take your chance and enjoy life in the Philippines. And stay away from grumblers and grousing people... .

I love The Philippines/Ich liebe die Philippinen

I never regretted to come here and to stay for good as an expatriate ...
Ich habe es niemals bereut, hierher zu kommen und fuer immer als Auswanderer zu leben...

Aliens Doing Business in The Philippines

Many global readers of this website are expatriates, who have not yet reached the pensioner's age, or simply want to stay in the Philippines and do business here.

So far so good!

Like me, for instance, I didn't reach my retirement age yet, while running some businesses here in the Philippines. An agency (Translation and Documentation Services for the Philippines and Germany - and other countries) - i.e. I am also teaching German at the University of Southeastern Philippines here in Davao City.

Can a foreigner do business in the Philippines?

The Commercial Law of the Philippines (compiled by the AFA editorial staff and chaired by Aguedo F. Agbayani) says it very clearly in its 1994 edition: Chapter III: Authority to do business: NO ALIEN, AND NO FIRM, association, partnership, corporation or any form of business organisation formed, organized, chartered or existing under any laws other than those of the Philippines, or which is not not a Philippine national, or more than 40% of the outstanding capital of which is owned or controlled by aliens, shall do business or engage in any economic  activity in the Philippines or be registered, licensed, or permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission or by any other bureau, office, agency, political subdivision ... of the government to do business ... without first securing a written certificate from the Board of investments to the effect:

1. That the operation or activity of such alien ... is not inconsistent with the investment priorities plans;

2. That such business ... will contribute to the sound and abalanced development of the national economy ... ;

3. That such business ... by the applicant would not conflict with the Constitution or other laws of the Philippines;

4. That the field of business ... by the applicant is not one that is being adequately exploited by Philippine nationals; and

5. That the entry of application therein will not pose a clear and present danger of promoting monopolies ... in restrain of trade.

Chapter II, Art. 59 says also very clearly, that an alien (a foreigner) has to check at first his immigration status. Of course, a tourist is never allowed to do any business in the Philippines.

Fact is: I am an expatriate with a 'permanent residence stay' in the Philippines as well as my wife, a natural born Filipina, but carrying a German passport the past 20 years. We can do business in the Philippines - but here we are: the permit has been issued to my brother-in-law, a Philippine national.

Don't misinterpret me, please: I am not talking about foreign corporation i.e. For the purpose of this code, a foreign corporation is formed, organized or existing under laws other than those of the Philippines and whose laws allow Filipino citizens and corporations to do business in its own country or state. Philippine law also sets the guidelines for investment requirements for foreign corporations under section 126 of the Philippine Corporation Code.

I am not a lawyer, but I came in touch with Philippine law during my time as coordinating editor of law magazines of a publish house based in Berlin and New York. Now I am working together with lawyers here in the Philippines. So please, ask YOUR lawyer, before you start any kind of business.

Very personal: many expatriates have been asking me (mostly by emails) during the last years: "Can your morals allow you to do that?" My answer is clear again: "Yes, why not? I can!" The problem is only, if you can't trust your Philippine spouse and/or her/his family. This seems to become a very big problem sometimes. Fortunately not for me... .

Take Good Care!

I am an expatriate living in the Philippines for good since 12 years. I have never been back in Germany, my home country. I visited the Philippines since 1976 - since 1982 on a regular basis. I always remember the phrase: "Take good care of yourself!" Sure, I did! I always did good care of myself - also whiule staying in more then 60 other countries worldwide. 

Although one takes good care, anything can happen: an accident, an illness. Also YOU, just reading this, may be at risk.

Did you experience any chest pains or heaviness? Come on, stop smiling. Have you had a weakness or numbness on one side of your body which resolves completely at the end of the day? Come on, yes I DID BEFORE! I experienced it twice - mild strokes. Nearly 26 million people worldwide die (!) every year of diseases associated with "atherothrombosis". 

Now, hy am I so concerned about this topic? Sure, everybody can get sick or ill. Filipinos and expats living herein the Philippines. Fact is, the Philippine health infrastructure is deadly! I really hold my breath reading alot of news while researching for this post. No, no good news! Sorry, really bad news!

It happened several months ago, but it's still up to date: Philippine "STAR"-columnist Boo Chanco, whom I really admire, has been talking to a number of doctors and always got the same message: "If you should have a heart attack or stroke, pray that neither happens outside of Metro Manila nor Metro Cebu!" Boom-bang! How about all the other places in the Philippines? Mindanao, Davao City - has not breath a word. 

It means to say: Proper emergency care is not available outside Manila and Ceby. Which hospitals, I am referring to Mindanao, in my case especially Davao City - can provide proper emergency care and treatment for these two medical emergencies?

Let's mention again basic tourism programs, retirement programs or the development of luxury second homes away from the metro areas, as Boo Chanco stressed. I am pretty sure we can't wait for the government again to provide us. The private  sector developers indeed will have to include adequate mdeical facilities in their plans.

PhilHealth is not bankrupt. Even being an expat I am a member of. And, by the way, the "Generic Pharmacy" (Mabisa na - Matipid pa!!!) is still extending nationwide. 

Take good care of yourselves, guys! Stay safe and healthy in the Philippines.

My 2011 Wish List

At any corner we do find and read wish lists. Each one of us has such a list. I am sure, you too! 

Talking about a wish list for the coming new year 2011 I really love to mention at first HEALTH IS WEALTH!

Do I try ignoring financial crises? Of course, not! But sometimes I love to escape from such topics - and, maybe you, my dear reader, too.

Still with me is a flyer, I got of one of my former colleagues, a professor of philosophy at the University of Southeastern Philippines, where I am still teaching German language. I must confess, I like these ten points of a wish list.

1. I will not strike back, if someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind. I will not respond in a like manner. 

2. I will ask God to bless my enemy. If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand that this enemy could be a family member, neighbour, co-worker, or a stranger in this country.

3. I will be careful about what I say. I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip.

4. I will go the extra mile. I will find ways to help sharing the burden of my friend.

5. I will forgive. I will forgive any hurts and injuries that come my way.

6. I will do something nice for some one, but I will do it secretly, and not, because this some one demands it from me. I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another.

7. I will treat others the way I wish to be treated. I will practice the golden rule "Do unto others as I would have them do unto me" - with every one I encounter.

8. I will raise the spirit of someone disheartened. My smile and my words can make the difference.

9. I will eat less and nurture my body. I will eat only healthy foods.

10. I will grow spiritually. I will spend a litle more time in prayer. I will find a quiet place.

I wish us all a 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND (already now) A HAPPY NEW YEAR! GOD BLESS!

 

Yes, HAPPY!!! Happiness should be really unending - it has to be sustained. Happiness is a life-saver.

+++++++

ALLEN MEINEN LESERINNEN UND LESERN WUENSCHE ICH VON GANZEM HERZEN 

FROHE WEIHNACHTEN UND (BEREITS JETZT!) EIN GESUNDES UND GLUECKLICHES NEUES JAHR 2011.

The Depressant Alcohol

"Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complains/ Who has wounds without cases? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long for the wine, those who go in search of mixed wines? Do not look at the wine, when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse words. ... When I shall awake, that i may seek another drink!" (Proverbs 23:29-35)

When I recopy this part of the bible several years ago, I got already the idea to write about this topic. I joined, and I am still joining circles of many other fellows around me - Filipinos AND expatriats more or less (?) with regular social drinking and/or habitual drinking with meals (beer or wine!). Imagine, when I stayed in France, I couldn't believe that for many Frenchmen a breakfast consists of bread (French baguette), cheese, coffee - and read wine! 

For many among us (and I learned it from several expats living in the Philippines) social drinking also also occasional drinks to relieve stress and boredom. Doing nothing can become stress! And a lot of expats are getting bored even in this beautiful country Philippines, because they have nothing to do!

Suddenly the devil alcohol creates a feeling of freedom without worries and euphoria. Feelings are free flowing: stress and/or boredom have gone! Suddenly gulping drinks and daily secret drinking might relieve stress  but makes one loose also control. Yes guys, alcohol is soooo cheap in the Philippines!!!

Suddenly loss of interest stays at any corner, conflicts with the law, conflicts in the family, accidents, mental deterioration, even death...! Hold on guys, the sad consequences should let us  tremble with fair! That's not the reason staying in the Philippines!

Every time I enjoy a drink in acceptable measurements I try asking myself: Am I drinking too heavily? Do I sneak drinks? Do I drink because of frustrations or just because the world is so nice and pink tinted? Can I stop drinking right now?

Wait, yes, it's true! Since several years I avoid joining circles of heavy drinking people - no matter circles of Filipino or expat friends... .

Why Do I Live in The Philippines? Warum lebe ich auf den Philippinen?

 

That's why! Try to get an idea of it!

Darum! Bilder sagen mehr als Worte!

Are YOU a Senior Citizen Living in The Philippines?Sind SIE auf den Philippinen lebender Rentner?

I am not yet a senior citizen. I am not yet a pensioner. But I love to live in the Philippines for good since 1999, because Filipinos really can be proud of their strong support to elderly. Not only do they have a set of laws for senior citizens that are the envy of many developing countries, the Filipino families supprt system remains positive, appreciate and nurturing.

On the other hand; the number of all these elders continues to swell. If I am not mistaken, some five million people aged 60 years and older now account for about nice percent of the current population. This is expected to increase to about 12 percent by 2025.

Isn't it amusing to see aged 60-and-up-groups taking pleasure in discounted lunches or dinners or seeing for free a good movie? Many of Filipinos look forward to this retirement age with so much relish1 There is indeed a long list of freebies and discounts that are available to holders of that "one-and-only card" issued by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs under the city or municipal mayor's office.

And, these benefits are also available for all expats living in the Philippines permanently!!!

Aside from getting 20 percent discount on medicines, medical and dental fees, transport fares, services in hotels and restaurants, admission fess in theatres, as well as a fice percent discount on water and electricity charges. And, very important and just recently, these transactions are exempt from the value added tax!

MABUHAY!

Dramatic Increase of Foreigners in The Philippines

The Bureau of Immigration has reported a 559-percent (!) increase in the number of registered foreigners in the Philippines during the first semester 2010.  The new alien registration division chief Danila Almeda said the number  of foreigners listed at his office numbered almost 58.000 as of June 2010, compared to only more than 12.000 who were registered in the same period in 2009.

Almeda disclosed that during the first quarter of the year, the number of BI-registered aliens increased already by 365 percent and their number surged further during the second quarter.

Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar is now the officer-in-charge of the bureau.

Expatriats or working visa applicants account for the bulk of registered foreigners, followed by holders of student visas and foreigners married to Filipinos. 

I would really agree with Almeda's statement attributing the large increase in registered aliens to the aggressive campaign of former BI-commissioner Marcelino Libanan in encouraging foreigners to visit, do business and study in the Philippines. I met Libanan several times personally.

Of course, the Philippines remains as a favorite destination for foreign business executives, many of whom are employed by multinational companies. 

And one more thing: Also citied as a major factor is the success of the BI's regionalization program where in the various field and satellite offices of the bureau were mobilized to encourage foreigners outside of Metro Manila to register and regularize their stay in the Philippines. I am also glad and happy being able to deal with the BI-office in Davao City for example. No need for travelling to Manila... .

Mehr Rechtssicherheit fuer Auslaender auf den Philippinen/More Legal Protection for Foreigners in The Philippines

Eigentlich traeumt jeder Mensch vom Paradies auf Erden. Viele Rentner und Aussteiger haben auf den Philippinen ihr Glueck gesucht - und einige auch gefunden. Ich zaehle mich dazu. Die Beweggruende sind natuerlich bei jedem unterschiedlich. Fuer den einen ist es das Wetter, fuer den anderen die immer freundlichen Menschen, und andere wiederum suchen fuer den letzten Lebensabschnitt eine schoene Frau zum Heiraten. Warum nicht...?

Aber, wie in einer Ehe gibt es nicht nur Sonnenschein, sondern auch Regen. Dutzende Auslaender haben auch negative Erfahrungen machen muessen, da sie vergassen, den europaeischen Kopf bzw. die fruehere Denkweise abzuschalten. Aber, es gibt auch gute Nachrichten fuer Diejenigen, die aus welchen Gruenden auch immer, in gravierende Schwierigkeiten geraten sind, oder noch geraten koennten. Neid, Missgunst, Intriquen, "boese Nachbarn" - um nur einige Beispiele aufzuzaehlen!

Seit zwei Jahren existiert das Foreign Assistance Center Philippines, kurz FAC genannt, das allen hier lebenden Auslaendern in Immigrations- oder Visafragen mit Rat und Tat zur Verfuegung steht.

Das FAC Philippines  setzt sich vehement  fuer mehr Rechtssicherheit lebender Auslaender auf den Philippinen ein.Die neue Reportage auf DW_TV (Deutsche Welle) "Unser Mann in Manila" zeigt eindrucksvoll, wie der Gruender des FAC, Herr Alfred Lehnert, seit ueber fuenf Jahren erfolgreich Auslaender verschiedener Nationalitaeten vor der Deportation oder einem laengeren Gefaengnisaufenthalt bewahrt.

Beim Studium der FAC-Internetseite stellt man fest: "Sag' niemals nie!" Es kann jeden treffen. Man kann nur jedem hier lebenden Auslaender mit auf den Weg geben - eine FAC-Mitgliedschaft ist zwar keine 100%ige Garantie fuer ALLES, aber es ist gut zu wissen, dass es jemanden gibt, der immer fuer mich da ist!

(Alfred Lehnert auf dem Weg ins Bureau of Immigration in Manila - waehrend der Dreharbeiten zur Reportage "Unser Mann in Manila" (Deutsche Welle TV).

(Alfred Lehnert on the way to the Bureau of Immigration in Manila - during the report shooting "Our Man in Manila" (Deutsche Welle TV).

Expats and HealthcareAuswanderer und Gesundheit

Long time before starting to be an expat (not only in the Philippines) I thought about the very important topic health care and insurance.

Read more in www.edgedavao.net.

Just look for the Competitive Edge Section and my expat column.

Staying for Good in The Philippines?

Staying for good in the Philippines? Yes, why not!

My view, and not only mine, on safety and security has changed over the last 30 years. I have written about it several times in different publications. As I said before, I did stay in more then 60 countries worldwide. The rise of terrorism and natural disasters told me that there was not and that there will be no place on earth, which is entirely and absolutely safe.

Foreign travel advisories especially regarding the Philippines, and mostly Mindanao are (sorry!) absurd and never well proven. Many friends of mine abroad are still planning to retire in the Philippines and stay here for good. Some of them are getting discouraged because of all these negative news.

As I said, there is no absolutely safe place in the whole world. I visited "dangerous' places like the "Black-People-Soweto" in Johannesburg, the Golan Heights and some well known infamous parts of Los Angeles, being the only White among Blacks birthday parties. 

Even before living in Mindanao, I went to several places in Davao Oriental, Monkayo and even stayed in Cotabato. Of course, media, especially from so-called "safe countries" (again which are these?) still love to sensationalize the negative aspects in the Philippines.

Back to the other half of those foreigners, who are planning to settle down here: they feel happy and safe. Of course, sensibility and awareness are always parts of our life. Here and everywhere. this has nothing to do with the Philippines. 

The dream that globally governments and people might build peace and unity by respecting all cultures and religions and work for equitable distributions of the world's resources, and more for sustainable development that respects nature, will remain as a dream.

Whatever are the decisions of others, I stay in this country for good and forever. Living in a gated village or not - one can live a simple but meaningful life - here in Davao City or where ever in the Philippines.

Mabuhay!

Expat-Thoughts (II)

I remember the movie "Cinema Paradise" directed by Guiseppe Tornatore: After 30 years absence a man returns to his childhood village. Actually he is terrible afraid, that all impressions might overcome him - but it doesn't happened. Well, of course, he is touched. He remembers himself as the small boy living in this place. But the man is through with the past. The presence is more important for him, even this presence couldn't have become like that without the past time in that small Sicilian village in South Italy.

A lot of expats might experienced in the same way. I did it too. 

To become a real grown up - as a German saying goes - we must learn to forget many things of our childhood. is that really so? I guess, it depends... .

If we have waited long enough, we might be able to return "to earlier places" but WITHOUT melancholy or wistfulness. Good advice. But speaking about myself: I haven't seen my home town in Germany since 11 years. I am pretty sure, that a certain melancholy will touch my heart. Sometimes we'd like to reply with Bob Dylan: "It's alright, Ma, I am only bleeding!"

Yes, I must confess, I mostly got a melancholy heart while visiting places of the past. Maybe that's the reason, why didn't visit my home country since 11 years. Nothing will remain as in yesterday. Nothing can be found again in its origin.

Mabuhay  Filipinas!

Expat Thoughts

Very often - sometimes too often! - the thought is back. If we wake up in the morning (or even many times in the middle of the night) - the thought is back. The "act of thinking", the "reflection", the "opinion" or the "serious consideration", no matter, how we describe it - our memory and conscience is always with us as a permanent companion.

We brood over unsettled problems. Sometimes we bear unfair treatments, arrogance, ignorance, incompetent know-it-all-betters, and unbearable oddballs, who inexorable love to make our life a hell, while living themselves a disorderly life.

We would not like to be distracted, but we're toying with some good ideas how we could throw overboard "all that garbage". What will come next is a matter of conjecture.

Of course, when I started my expat life here in the Philippines, I also got my ideas. But, too many trains of thought made me thoughtless and absent-minded especially in difficult or important daily life situations. Slowing down while experiencing another culture shock... .

Sometimes we feel that our thoughts and ideas can't be fulfilled with life. Where the heart is willing, it will find a thousands ways; but where the heart is weak, it will find a thousand excuses. I experienced this too during my first one or two years as an expat in the Philippines.

Every new day gives us new inexhaustible possibilities to survive - but many times we overlook and fail to notice many chances in life through our sluggishness and laziness while thinking and dreaming too much of unequaled and unfulfilled ideas.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!

Are YOU a credit card holder?

It's really amazing: three Philippine financial institutions took home top honours in MasterCard Worldwide's Hall of Fame Marketing Awards, which had its inaugural launch in Singapore on the first of December 2009.

Banco de Oro, Allied Bank and RCBC Bankard won three out of the ten awards - Best Cardholder Promotion, Most Effective Card Marketing Program and Best Usage Campaign (cross-border), respectively - for their outstanding marketing efforts in launching or promoting MasterCard card programs in South- and Southeast Asia. Their wins inducted them,along with 23 other Asian banks, into MasterCard's Marketing Hall of Fame. Congratulations.

I am glad to know that. As an expat it's necessary to know which bank should be choosed for money transfers from abroad, i.e. for pension transfers.

The Song of Christmas

Christmas, the song, awakens our hardened hearts and move us to create a hopefully better world. Maybe a new earth and new people at last - if we allow ourselves to be showered by the real spirit of our Lord.

Christmas, this great day bears the message that God is with us. He has not abandoned his world, and even in the darkest moments of our time.We might live in corrupt and dirty times, as we experienced daily and as many people like to preach us more and more.

Let us not despair then even if difficulties rise before us, either in our personal lives or in the life of humanity. Christmas holiday should be spent at home where love binds us together. Somebody has prepared delicious food for the Media Noche. We have brought our gifts for every one. My family and i happily arrange our gifts under the colorful Christmas tree.

On the streets everybody lingers around. Houses are well lighted, there's music, there's is laughter, noise. Enemies hopefully come into reconciliation; jealous hearts change. Rich and poor people try to overcome their mutual gaps in life for this very special season.

Next year nobody can tell how we might celebrate Christmas again. Will it be the same? Will it be with a difference? We therefore hope the best.

This will be my 10th Christmas as an expat in the Philippines. Meanwhile the culture shock has gone.

Merry Christmas to all of you my dear readers. And: PEACE all over the world!

Der Kulturschock (Teil 2)

Wie ich schon im ersten Teil erwaehnte: der verspaetete Kulturschock trifft jeden. Risse im Paradies. Permanent leben auf den Philippinen heisst nicht, nur Urlaub zu machen.

In vielen anderen Teilen Asiens wird die Andersartigkeit durch die Sprachbarriere oder andere Kleidung und Traditionen sehr schnell und klar herausgestellt. Filipinos allerdings fuehren mit vielen westlichen Einfluessen in die Irre. Einige Aspekte des Lebens der Filipinos werden uns Expats wahrscheinlich fuer immer fremdbleiben. Sie haben die Wurzeln in der uralten Vorgeschichte und sind oftmals die Auswirkungen der spanischen und amerikanischen Kolonisierung.

Es ist auf alle Faelle vorteilhaft, in Alltagsangelegenheiten, wo man als Expat mit Filipinos zusammenkommt, Erlaubtes und Verbotenes, das Tun und Lassen und die allgemeinen Umgangsformen im Alltag der Filipinos mit der Zeit zu lernen - und auch mit anzuwenden.

(Mehr dazu demnaechst hier in Teil 3)

The Culture Shock - Der Kulturschock

I spent some time in almost 65 countries all over the world. Sometimes one day - sometimes several months. Now I stay in the Philippines for good since 1999. My Filipina wife has been obliged to acquaint me about the differences in living and working conditions in this part of the world - which is named The Philippines.

Every country has its own versions of culture shock of its own - including here in the Philippines. Especially if you stay as an expatriat. Permanent life is no more holidays or vacations... .

Filipinos are friendly people.

Filipinos are smiling at you even in the midst of misfortune brought about by calamity or disaster.

Filipinas women enjoy the same rights with men.

Filipinos and Filipinas dress up as they please.

In the Philippines is freedom in the practice of one's faith.

In the Philippines one can find a nice climate.

Fact is: culture shock has to do with custom and tradition in the host country. As an expat, one has to adopt such things step by step without loosing the own identity.

=======

Die meisten Auslaender, die die Philippinen besuchen, sind angenehm ueberrascht. wenn sie feststellen, dass fast ueberall Englisch gesprochen wird. Man kleidet sich oftmals sehr westlich - der gesamte Prunk der westlichen Zivilisation ist sichtbar. Hamburgerketten, Luxushotels, Supermaerkte... . Ja, ist doch alles kein Problem hier zu leben.

Der Schock kommt spaeter. Waehrend der westliche Prunk da ist und man ja auch dieselbe Sprache (Englisch) spricht - hat man am Anfang Schwierigkeiten, sich wirklich zu verstaendigen. Ich habe aus dem Grund auch Bisaya (Cebuano) versucht zu lernen.

Eine Vielzahl von Auswanderen kritisiert sehr schnell die neue Heimat Philippinen und die hier lebenden Menschen. Es folgen sarkastische Anmerkungen ueber die "filipino-time" (klar, ich habe mich auch heute noch nicht an die Unpuenktlichkeit gewoehnen koennen!) und die philippinische Buerokratie. Halt, gibt's keine in unseren Heimatlaendern?

(To be continued!)

(Fortsetzung folgt!