I spent eight years working in Germany to provide a better life for my family. But I missed them, so I came back home. I had no idea at first how to find my feet again. I’m now self-employed as a bricklayer thanks to the PGFRC.

My name is Fiaz and I’m 41 years old. I come from a small village near Sargodha in Punjab province, Pakistan. I used to work as a bricklayer, but left for Germany in 2013 to search for better opportunities. I worked there for the next 8 years in restaurants and in a car factory. Then I decided I no longer wanted to be separated from my family. So I came back to Pakistan in July 2021.

Preparations in Germany

While still in Germany, an advisor gave me information about the services provided by the Pakistani-German Facilitation and Reintegration Centre (PGFRC) in Pakistan. Young men in our village usually learn a trade. That’s why I already had practical experience as a bricklayer before leaving for Germany. I really wanted to expand on that experience.

There are lots of bricklayers in Pakistan. So recommendations are the key to getting new orders. I felt confident enough after the training course to network locally. I’ve also been visiting my previous customers. That’s a lot of effort, but it’s worthwhile. I’m currently working on a project that I found through my personal connections. I now have more customers and they often give me repeat commissions.

Another important aspect I learned from the training course is that it’s essential to deliver on time and keep bookkeeping records.

Step by step into self-employment

I didn’t have a clue what the future in Pakistan had in store for me when I left Germany. The PGFRC support gave me a route into self-employment. It enabled me to start my own bricklaying business that I’m now running successfully.

As of: 02/2023

This text is written in simple language to ensure that it’s easy for everyone to understand.