The number of exiled journalists is increasing day by day with the rise of autocratic and authoritarian governments. Many of these journalists have been forced to leave their countries to escape threats to their lives, severe censorship, and media repression. A recent study published by Körber Stiftung examines the situation of these journalists in Germany, along with the challenges and opportunities they face. This report is based on this study.
Global Crises and Their Impact on Increasing Migration of Journalists
Several global crises in 2015 and 2016 (the war in Syria and media repression in Turkey) and from 2020 to 2022 (the occupation of Afghanistan and crises in Belarus and Russia) temporarily drew attention to the situation of exiled journalists. During this period, requests for emergency resettlement from these journalists significantly increased, with the number of requests multiplying up to five times in the last three years. However, the capacity of related institutions has not changed, leading to fundamental challenges in meeting the needs of these journalists.
Status and Challenges of Journalists Based on Country of Origin
Körber Stiftung’s study emphasizes that the communities of exiled journalists can only be understood within their national frameworks, as these communities are influenced by the policies of their countries of origin and their social and cultural differences. For example:
Afghan Journalists: Regarding the situation of Afghan journalists in exile, the study refers to the Federal Admission Program for Afghanistan (BAP), announced in October 2022. This program, intended to expedite relocation for at-risk Afghan journalists and aid workers, has stalled due to political inaction and bureaucratic hurdles. Most Afghan journalists in Germany face feelings of exhaustion and despair, believing they have been overlooked in light of escalating geopolitical crises.
Despite these challenges, the community of Afghan journalists in exile remains active, producing content on social media and in some independent media outlets. Some of these journalists have managed to integrate into mainstream media, but most continue to struggle with financial and psychological pressures stemming from their difficult circumstances.
Overall, the situation of Afghan journalists in exile is influenced not only by individual and professional issues but also by the broader conditions of migration and political status.
Syrian Journalists: The Syrian community is one of the most stable groups in exile. They have formed independent organizations, including the Syrian Women Journalists Network and “Enab Baladi,” striving to address human rights and freedom of expression issues. However, budget cuts and a lack of supportive resources have caused many of these exiled media outlets to face financial challenges.
Russian and Belarusian Journalists:. Increasing interest and support from the West for Russian journalists, particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has led to increased funding for these medias in exile. As a result, media outlets such as “TV Rain” and “Novaya Gazeta Europe,” which focus specifically on Russia, have been able to continue their operations in Western countries, including Germany, with significantly increased budgets.
Turkish Journalists: The severe repression of media in Turkey, especially following the failed coup in 2016, has resulted in a wave of Turkish journalists migrating to Germany. some have established their exile media in Germany. However, many others still have to take on unrelated jobs to make a living and lack the financial support and necessary resources to develop their media activities.
Conclusion and Recommendations
- Global Surge in Exile Journalism: The Körber-Stiftung study highlights a notable surge in exile journalism, with Germany emerging as a primary destination due to its favorable political environment, supportive legal frameworks, and strong personal networks among exiled communities.
- Shared Challenges Across Communities: Despite their diverse backgrounds, exiled journalists in Germany share common challenges, including visa issues, financial precarity, and barriers to professional reintegration, with 74% reporting significant difficulty in finding work in their field.
- Diverse Professional Experiences: The support and resources available to exiled journalists vary considerably based on their country of origin. Russian and Belarusian journalists, for instance, benefit from extensive Western support, while Afghan journalists face prolonged uncertainty, limited access to professional networks, and significant psychological stress.
- Importance of Long-Term Support Structures: The report emphasizes the need for sustainable support systems to help journalists re-establish their careers, suggesting measures like the Exile Media Hub, language training, and streamlined bureaucratic processes.
- Geopolitical Influence on Financial Support: An important point highlighted in this research is the impact of geopolitical context on the financial support and assistance received by journalists. For example, due to Germany’s diplomatic relations with countries like Turkey and Belarus, journalists from these two countries receive more support in Germany. In contrast, Afghan and Syrian journalists face greater limitations in accessing necessary funding and support due to the weaker positions of their countries of origin in international politics.
The experiences of exiled journalists in Germany are not just stories of personal struggle; they are deeply intertwined with the broader issues of asylum and migration. As journalists in exile navigate the challenges of integration, they also play a vital role in amplifying the voices of refugees and advocating for their rights in host countries. Their work helps to shed light on the systemic barriers faced by displaced communities, fostering a more inclusive narrative around migration. Moreover, these journalists continue to serve as a lifeline for freedom of expression in their countries of origin, documenting injustices and exposing truths that would otherwise be silenced. For the European Diversity Newsroom, this underscores the critical intersection between exile journalism, refugee rights, and the survival of democratic values—a connection we remain committed to exploring and amplifying in our reporting.
