Help Hamza Stay: A Palestinian Doctor's Fight for His Future

Dear reader,

Imagine dedicating your life to helping others, only to find yourself needing help due to circumstances beyond your control. This is precisely where I stand today, caught between aspirations of becoming a doctor in Germany and the harsh reality of legal obstacles and financial hardship. As a Palestinian medical graduate from Gaza, I have overcome significant personal and professional challenges. Now, I face the greatest challenge that threatens to erase years of relentless effort and determination.

Summary and request

My name is Hamza Abed. I am a Palestinian medical graduate from Gaza, caught in a legal and financial crisis in Germany. Despite completing 12 months of internships, passing the C1-level language exam, and receiving multiple job offers, I am not allowed to work, my residency is at risk, and I am facing potential deportation.

I hope to secure a student visa through a Master's program in Hospital Management. Still, I lack the resources to afford tuition, legal fees and living costs.

Background and Medical Education

I completed my six-year medical degree at the Faculty of Medicine in Gaza in June 2023. In August, I began my mandatory internship at the Emergency Department of Al-Shifa Hospital. In September, I travelled to Germany for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery training at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein in Kiel, which was recognised as part of my internship.

Given my goal to pursue a medical career in Germany, I had already begun language studies during my final year. I completed my B1 level in Gaza, but since B2 courses and exams are unavailable there, I planned to finish them during my short stay in Germany.

Unfortunately, in October 2023, the war in Gaza began. Amid immense personal loss, including the deaths of several family members, and constant fear for my family's safety, I managed to continue my B2 course and successfully passed the language exam.

To continue my medical studies, I contacted the Palestinian Medical Council, which approved my request to complete the remainder of my internship in Germany—a crucial requirement for the recognition of my degree in Germany. Over 12 months, I completed unpaid training in various German hospitals, gaining practical experience and a deep understanding of the healthcare system.

From June to September 2024, in addition to my full-time hospital training, I attended a 5-hour daily intensive preparation course for the German Medical Language Exam (FSP). In October 2024, I passed the C1-level FSP exam with an exceptional score of 97.5%.

I submitted my application for recognition of my medical degree in Germany in January 2025, which is currently being processed. After completing this process, I can start my medical speciality and work in Germany.

Visa and Residency Situation

Since the war began, visa and residency issues have been challenging. I initially entered Germany on a tourist visa. In October 2023, I informed the immigration office about my situation, but encountered resistance, including threats of deportation. Eventually, I received a conditional six-month allowance to stay (non-work) while completing my hospital training.

In October 2024, after completing my internship and language exam, I applied for a residency and partial work permit, as previously advised by the immigration office in Kiel. After over six months of delays, I was informed on April 16, 2025, that my application was rejected due to my original entry with a tourist visa. I was also told that I would be receiving a deportation order later.

As an alternative, the immigration office is pressuring me to apply for asylum or stateless status now. Unfortunately, these options are legally complex, uncertain, and financially unsustainable. I cannot legally work or study with either of the provided options, and I do not have the resources to support myself during this time. Moreover, both options would strip me of my Palestinian nationality, a decision that I am not willing to make.

On the other hand, my only real option is to challenge the deportation order. For that, I require the professional help of an immigration lawyer, which comes at a high cost.

Current Plan

I have found a potential path forward: the Medical Faculty in Kiel offers a Master's program in Hospital Management that aligns perfectly with my interests and qualifications.

During my medical studies, I was active in the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA). In my fifth year, I was honoured to be elected President of the federation in the Gaza Strip. This experience sparked a deep interest in medical administration, management, and healthcare politics.

I fulfil all academic requirements for the Master's program and am fully committed to meaningfully continuing my professional development. Advancing my academic and professional qualifications will help me one day support rebuilding Gaza's destroyed health care system.

(From an event organised during my work as President of IFMSA-Gaza)

However, I currently lack the financial means to pay tuition (€4,125 per semester/4 semesters), immigration legal fees, and living expenses. Thus, I am launching this campaign to gather the required funds to overcome this situation. The funds will be used to cover the university tuition and legal fees.

My current residence permit expires in July 2025, and I risk losing everything I have worked so hard for.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would happily share more details and answer any questions at your convenience. Moreover, official documents and certificates can be provided gladly upon request.

With my kindest regards,

Hamza Abed