Мeet with Rodi from Syria, who chooses Bulgaria despite the opportunity to live in Germany

Rodi grew up in Syria. He completed his secondary education in Kamishli, worked and supported his family until the moment he went to the military barracks.

We continue the series of stories about third-country nationals with the right to work in Bulgaria, who, contrary to common understanding, are successfully integrated into the labor market in Bulgaria and contribute to the country’s economy.

Our series is part of the MIraGE project, on which WCIF is working with partners from several European countries. The project aims to ease the access and integration of third-country nationals who seek employment in the host countries of the European Union.

Rodi Naamo is part of this project.

Rodi grew up in Syria. He completed his secondary education in Kamishli, worked and supported his family until the moment he went to the military barracks.

Instead of a year and a half, he stayed longer because the war has already begun. After 4 years in the army, Roddy made the difficult decision to leave his country. He dreamed of a quiet life, away from the war.

After leaving, he found himself in Turkey. There he worked in several restaurants and a car wash for 1 year. With his last money he reached Bulgaria. He shares that the beginning here was difficult. He spent the first months in a closed camp in Busmantsi, without relatives and acquaintances, without knowing the language, but gradually he got to know the people and places in our country and quickly fell in love with Bulgaria.

After receiving the status of a migrant, Rodi went to Germany and spent almost 2 years there, but quickly realized that Bulgaria was his place and returned to settle permanently. Gradually he finds friends and starts looking for a job. Despite the difficulties, Rodi does not lose hope for a second. Thanks to his knowledge of Arabic and Kurdish, he was hired by an outsourcing company. His colleagues accept him very well and he is happy to be able to communicate with different people on a daily basis. He also found a second job in a non-governmental organization helping people who seek protection.

Today Rodi is happy with his life in Bulgaria. He has been working in his company for 4 years now, he has improved his English, his computer skills, he speaks Bulgarian better and better, he has managed to get a driver’s license. He hopes to obtain citizenship and start a family in Bulgaria. He looks forward with optimism and works hard to build his small and harmonious world here.