Success story of Suad Abu Qadduos
I come from Jordan, I am 52 years old and have been living in Hamburg with my husband since 2019. Our four children and eight grandchildren are still back home. There, and in Palestine, I worked as a massage therapist specialising in cupping therapy. I lost many of my certificates on my way to Germany, but the Hamburg Welcome Center helped me get settled here. Today I work in the public sector for the City of Hamburg. My children are proud of me. They always call me “heroine” when we speak on the phone.
My start in Hamburg
My start in Hamburg wasn’t easy. My husband and I lived in a tiny room in a refugee shelter. It was tough for us: the cramped space, the tension among the other residents, the constant unrest, and on top of that, the homesickness and longing for our children and grandchildren. Our eldest grandchild is eight years old, the youngest just two months. From the very beginning, I wanted to learn German and find a job. I only spoke Arabic and English when I arrived in Germany, and I started learning German on my own. Because I never wanted to be a burden – not to the city of Hamburg, not to Germany, and not to anyone else either.
My personal tip for anyone starting out
Everyone who comes to Germany needs to take the initiative. They need to show initiative and take an interest. There are plenty of opportunities to learn German or find a job. But you have to want it, and you shouldn’t take it for granted when people help you. You should seize the opportunities offered to you and take them seriously. And above all, you have to be honest. That’s very important.
I’m proud of myself because I’ve overcome the challenges. I’m determined and have never doubted myself. Those who are new here should have this attitude too. You have to believe in yourself and be prepared to work hard.
It’s also important to find joy in life here. For example, whenever I can, I meet up with a friend from Iraq and another friend from Bosnia. I also enjoy cooking Arabic food and looking after my plants.
My path to the job: How the HWC made it easier for me to get started
I try not to cry, but when I think of the Hamburg Welcome Center, I have to fight back the tears. There, I met people who treated me with kindness and respect. It was a long journey, but it was worth it.
My first contact with the HWC was in October 2023. I have a temporary residence permit and was feeling completely overwhelmed by everything at the time. Only the HWC helped me. Thanks to my case worker at the Hamburg Employment Agency, who was always very helpful, I was able to attend two German courses: first the integration course at language level B1, which I successfully completed, and then a vocational language course. She also told me that I could contact the Newcomers Service team with my questions about health insurance.
In 2024, the case worker at the Employment Agency sent me for a consultation at the Labour Market Service. I was under pressure: the Immigration Office had advised me to start an apprenticeship or find a job as soon as possible. My wish was to work in the care sector. In Jordan, I had always enjoyed looking after my mother-in-law. That’s why I wanted to do an apprenticeship as a health and care assistant (GPA).
The advisor at the LMS was patient and kind to me. She proofread my application documents and helped me put together an application portfolio. I am very grateful to her.
The LMS then spoke to another team in-house (HWC note: Ms Quadduos is referring to the Legal Counseling and Clearing Office for Foreign Nationals) so that this team could check with the Immigration Office on my behalf whether I could obtain a general work permit, which I did not have previously.
This then enabled me to work: since October 2025, thanks to the help of the Hamburg Welcome Center and as part of the FHH Job Turbo*, I have been working as a support staff member in the Service & Catering department for the City of Hamburg. I am very happy.
What the HWC means to me
*With the FHH Job Turbo programme, the City of Hamburg offers suitable individuals with a refugee background the opportunity to work in public administration or a state-owned enterprise for six to a maximum of twelve months. This allows them to improve their German language skills, gain work experience in Germany, and demonstrate their abilities. At the same time, this can be a way for the FHH to attract new skilled workers on a permanent basis.
Please note: This is a translation of the interview. It was originally conducted in German.
