Germany's Fabritius visits Kazakhstan to support ethnic German community

Bernd Fabritius, Germany's Commissioner for Resettler Affairs and National Minorities, completed his first official visit to Kazakhstan from 17 to 21 May 2019. The trip focused on the needs of the country's ethnic German community, which still numbers over 178,000 according to the latest census. Fabritius, a Transylvanian Saxon who moved to Germany at 18, has spent much of his time in office engaging with minority groups abroad.

Fabritius was appointed to his role in 2018 after serving as a Bundestag member from 2013 to 2017. He also leads the Federation of Expellees, an organisation supporting displaced German minorities. During his visit, he met with representatives of the German-Kazakh Foundation Rebirth, which runs social projects and scholarships for the remaining German population.

In 2018 alone, 2,292 late resettlers from Kazakhstan moved to Germany. Despite this ongoing migration, Fabritius noted that the local German community remains active and well-integrated. Discussions at the German-Kazakh government conference highlighted efforts to preserve cultural ties and support those who choose to stay. Fabritius left Kazakhstan with a positive impression of both the country and its German minority. His meetings included talks on education, social welfare, and cultural preservation for the community.

The visit underscored the continued connection between Germany and its ethnic diaspora in Kazakhstan. With over 178,000 Germans still living there, organisations like Rebirth play a key role in maintaining cultural and social links. Fabritius's trip marks another step in addressing the community's needs while acknowledging its contributions to Kazakh society.