Berlin's Food Delivery Boom: A Migrant's Journey Revealed

The Life of a Delivery Worker in Berlin

In the vibrant city of Berlin, Mihir, a 25-year-old delivery worker, begins his day with a ritual that many can relate to: a hurried cup of chai and a lineup of three mobile phones. Each device is a gateway to a different food delivery app—Uber Eats, Wolt, and Lieferando—though it’s only the latter where he is officially employed as a delivery driver. As the sunlight streams gently into his apartment, Mihir peers out the window, sensing a slow start to the day. "Aaj nahin banegi order (It is not the best day to get orders)," he remarks, a hint of resignation in his voice.

Mihir's journey to Berlin began in May 2024, when he arrived in Germany to pursue a Master’s degree in tourism and hospitality. Now on a job-seeker visa, he has spent the last two years adapting to life in a new country while navigating its gig economy. Despite his limited German proficiency—focusing mainly on essential phrases like “Danke schön” (thank you) and “Bitte schön” (you’re welcome)—he confidently embraces his identity as a Berliner.

Embracing Freedom and New Cultures

“There is something about Berlin. I feel free,” Mihir explains, reflecting on the cultural contrasts between his homeland and his new city. He notes that enjoying a beer in public is a norm in Germany, a stark contrast to his experiences in India where such actions could lead to social scrutiny or even legal issues. “In India, I might just get arrested,” he jokes, “and before I know it, I will be all viral on social media.” His words highlight the sense of liberation he feels in a city that embraces diversity and personal freedom.

Since October 2022, Mihir has taken to the streets as a fahrer (driver/rider) or kurier (courier), joining a growing number of migrant workers who power Germany’s expanding platform economy. Berlin’s streets are now bustling with delivery riders, many of whom are recent migrants from South Asia, especially India.

The Rise of Migrant Workers in Berlin

The gig economy in Berlin has notably shifted as migrants, particularly Indians, have become a prominent part of the workforce. While official statistics on Indian gig workers in Germany are scarce, Abu John, a Berlin-based lawyer specializing in migration, asserts that over 90 percent of food delivery workers in the city are recent migrants, with 50 percent identifying as Indian and another 25-30 percent as Bangladeshi or Pakistani.

Amid the vibrant atmosphere of Simon-Dach-Straße, a popular thoroughfare lined with cafés and eateries, groups of delivery workers gather. They share laughs, exchange stories, and anxiously await notifications from their delivery apps signaling new orders. This camaraderie fosters a sense of community among those navigating similar paths in a foreign land.

Policy Changes and Their Impact on Migration

Germany’s migration policies have undergone significant changes under the conservative Christian Democratic Union government led by Friedrich Merz. While the country has shifted away from its traditional “open door” approach, it has simultaneously worked to attract skilled labor to fill gaps in various sectors, including logistics and hospitality. Initiatives like the Opportunity Card (or Chancenkarte) now enable qualified non-EU job seekers to reside in Germany for up to a year while they search for employment.

Moreover, the expansion of international student pathways and vocational training programs has made Germany increasingly appealing for young migrants, particularly from India. From 86,000 Indian nationals in 2015, the number surged to 280,000 by the start of 2025. The DAAD, a German organization supporting academic exchanges, reports that Indian students comprise the largest international student population in Germany, with nearly 50,000 pursuing studies in the 2024-25 academic year.

The Allure of German Education

For many like Mihir, the student route serves as a vital entry point into Germany’s labor market. Unlike other countries such as the US or UK, where international education often incurs hefty tuition fees, Germany offers public universities with little to no costs for foreign students. However, stringent entry requirements push many to enroll in private institutions, which sometimes operate with less regulatory oversight.

Post-study work options in Germany are also relatively accessible, allowing international students to transition into the workforce after graduation. This flexibility is a strong incentive for students from countries with large populations, like India, seeking better employment opportunities abroad.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Migration and Labor in Germany

As Germany continues to adapt its immigration policies amidst evolving labor market demands, the role of migrants in the economy remains critical. The food delivery sector serves as a prime example of how immigrants are reshaping the workforce landscape in major cities like Berlin. For individuals like Mihir, the journey is just beginning; they are not only contributing to the economy but also infusing their cultural identities into the fabric of German society.

In the coming years, it will be essential to monitor how changes in migration policies will impact the workforce dynamics in Germany. Will the demand for migrant labor continue to grow? How will these shifts influence the experiences of individuals navigating life in a new country? As the gig economy flourishes, the answers to these questions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of labor and migration in Germany.

In conclusion, the story of Mihir and countless others underscores the resilience and adaptability of migrants who are redefining what it means to live and work in a foreign land. Their journeys reveal not only the personal aspirations of individuals seeking better lives but also the broader implications for society and economy in an increasingly interconnected world.