Concerns Rise Over Missing Vietnamese Students in Berlin

Berlin is witnessing a troubling trend as over 200 Vietnamese students have mysteriously stopped attending classes in vocational schools. This alarming situation is particularly evident at the Brillat-Savarin School for Hospitality in Berlin-Weißensee, where approximately one-third of the 700 Vietnamese students enrolled have vanished.

The disappearance has raised serious concerns among educators and school officials, as the exact whereabouts of these students remain unknown. Reports suggest that some may have fallen into illegal employment, particularly in nail salons, while others could be at risk of exploitation in the sex trade, leading to suspicions of human trafficking.

Teachers at these institutions report that many of the affected students possess language certifications but struggle with German communication, complicating the learning environment. Gerrit Buchhorn, the CEO of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association in Berlin, highlighted the critical state of the school operations, stating that the uncertainty surrounding the students has left both teachers and remaining students anxious and overwhelmed.

This issue is not confined to Berlin alone; similar cases have emerged in Brandenburg and other regions across Germany. According to the Federal Employment Agency, approximately 16,000 Vietnamese individuals are currently undergoing vocational training in Germany, with nearly 2,000 of them based in Berlin. The influx of new students has also been significant, with an estimated 4,000 new trainees arriving from Vietnam in 2024 alone.

Many of these students are recruited through private agencies in Vietnam, which charge substantial fees for contracts, language certifications, and visas. Migration expert Mimi Vu has raised alarms about the potential for organized crime networks operating internationally, which may utilize fraudulent documents to place individuals in exploitative job situations, fostering dangerous dependencies.

In a related enforcement action, the Main Customs Office in Potsdam recently conducted inspections at nail salons in Teltow and Potsdam. Out of 23 individuals checked, 21 were identified as Vietnamese nationals residing illegally in Germany and working without proper authorization. These individuals attempted to flee during the raid but were apprehended, leading to criminal proceedings against them as well as against the salon owners involved.

This unfolding situation underscores the urgent need for attention and action to prevent further exploitation and ensure the safety and well-being of Vietnamese students in Germany.