Ein Jahr Deutschland

Two years ago, in 2013, the German government allowed the dependants of the several thousand Syrians living here to join them in Germany.
The one condition: they must bear the costs of flights, accommodation and food themselves.

Despite completing the many application forms, Alan faced many obstacles. At one stage, his family was required to submit documents from the Syrian capital, Damascus – necessitating a car journey across a 700-kilometre-long war zone. Then a further deadline expired though no fault of Alan. A foretaste of the bureaucratic nightmare he would have to negotiate in the coming months.

Finally, however, his claim was approved:
For which Alan is eternally grateful, and against which all else pales into insignificance.

Shortly before his escape, the brother's father underwent an eye operation. The stitches must be now removed otherwise he is in danger of going blind. But each separate treatment must be applied for and approved.

The social services issue him with a so-called treatment voucher which he then takes to his GP. There he will receive a referral to an ophthalmologist. He then takes this back to the social services which submits an application to the health department - this time for treatment by an eye specialist.
 
The applications take weeks to process.

Back in his native Syria, Rinas worked as a sports teacher and played soccer for a local men's team.
 
Now he can often be seen riding his bicycle around Dortmund - usually en route to the local football club BV Westfalia Wickede.