This text was originally written in Arabic and published on InfoMigrants Arabic.

Bilal, a 24-year-old Moroccan, never thought that his move to Germany would inspire others. Today, his story is resonating with his fellow Moroccans who are eager to seize opportunities in Germany’s labor market too.

"I started thinking about migration after graduation," Bilal told InfoMigrants.

"My first attempt was Spain because of its proximity. When that failed, I decided to try Germany."

Unlike many North African youth who risk dangerous journeys to Europe, Bilal chose a different path via learning German and finding legal ways to move to Germany.

First, he earned a diploma in Spanish, then turned his focus to German.

"To come to Germany, which has become a top destination for job seekers from North Africa, I realized I needed the language," he told InfoMigrants. "So I started studying it immediately."

That was a year and a half ago in his hometown of Nador, where Bilal spent more than five years working in his father’s bakery.

"We all know there’s a huge shortage of workers in some sectors," he says. "Everyone is trying to find a chance to come, learn, gain experience, and work in better conditions."

Five months ago, Bilal was one of those people, when he arrived in Germany.

Building on his skills

But instead of pursuing his law studies, he decided to build on the skills he had already honed back home.

"Choosing this field [baking] is an opportunity to invest in the experience I began in Morocco and develop myself here," he explains.

 "And why not? Maybe one day I’ll own a business, not just work for one," says Bilal hopefully.

Unlike many migrants who struggle, Bilal is determined to build on his past experience and refine it through the opportunity he’s been given in Germany.

He told InfoMigrants how it all began.

Applying for jobs

In December 2024, Bilal sent a job application to Matthias, a German employer, after weeks of self-driven research.

"After so many rejections in such a short time, I was losing hope," Bilal admits. "When Matthias replied, I thought it was just another polite refusal."

In his reply, Matthias asked Bilal many questions, the young Moroccan recalled them.

"He asked me: 'Where have you worked before? Can you send me videos of you working?' I told him I’d worked with my father for over five years, recorded videos of myself at work, and sent my CV. Minutes later, he asked for an interview. Five minutes after that, he sent me a job contract."

Bilal was stunned by this job offer, saying, "Matthias’s speed shocked me because Germans are known for taking ages with paperwork. But he helped me with everything from registering with all the authorities, handling the paperwork, and to finding an apartment near the workplace."

Social media promotion

Matthias, who often uses social media videos to promote his business, featured Bilal in several clips after he joined the team.

"He wanted us to film together for the shop’s followers on social media sites, and we did. The response was amazing as it got a lot of encouragement across Germany."

Bilal’s ambitious plans in Germany are taking shape, and he has started sharing his story through videos that quickly go viral among Moroccan youth seeking to move to Europe.

His clips simplify the process and make the legal steps clearer for his fellow Moroccans.

Cultural exchange

The harmony between Bilal and his German employer didn’t end there.

Together, they introduced a Moroccan twist to their products, as the traditional bread Bilal once baked in his father’s shop is now a staple in their German bakery too.

Asked about his top advice for young people considering Germany, Bilal told InfoMigrants:

"My advice is to learn the language. You don’t need to buy a work contract to get here. Many employers are looking for workers and will help you come legally and quickly."

Germany is a land of opportunity, thinks Bilal — and he believes his own success story proves that.

His employer even announced in a viral video that he'll help Bilal’s brother find a job too.

Next summer, Bilal’s sibling will arrive to start a career as a truck driver, inspired by his brother’s remarkable journey, Bilal confided to InfoMigrants.