Former Afghan Minister Delivers Food by Bike in Germany

A former Afghan communications minister made headlines in 2021 after starting a new life in Germany as a bicycle food courier. Sayed Sadaat, who left the Afghan government in 2018, moved to Germany in late 2020 hoping to build a safer future and eventually return to a career in technology.

Instead, he found work delivering meals through Lieferando in Leipzig while studying German and adjusting to life in a new country.

His story attracted international attention in August 2021, as Afghanistan faced major upheaval following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.

Why Did the Former Afghan Minister Leave Politics?

Sadaat served as Afghanistan’s communications minister for two years before leaving office in 2018. He later decided to move to Germany in search of better opportunities.

Although he held qualifications in information technology and telecommunications, he struggled to find a job in his field because he did not speak German.

In an interview with Reuters in August 2021, Sadaat explained that language skills were essential to finding suitable work.

Rather than waiting for a job that matched his previous position, he took a delivery job while working toward his longer-term career goals.

Studying German While Delivering Food

Sadaat’s daily routine was demanding. He attended German classes for four hours before starting a six-hour evening shift delivering food around Leipzig.

Wearing an orange uniform and carrying a delivery bag, he navigated the city’s streets by bicycle, learning how to work in unfamiliar surroundings.

He admitted that the first few days were exciting but difficult, particularly because he was still getting used to cycling in city traffic.

However, he believed that spending time outside, meeting people and practicing the language helped him adapt more quickly.

His experience showed how migrants with professional qualifications can face practical barriers when trying to enter a new country’s job market.

“Work Is Work,” Says Sadaat

Sadaat said some people in Afghanistan criticized him for taking a delivery job after serving in government.

He rejected the idea that there was anything shameful about his new occupation.

“I have nothing to feel guilty about,” he told Reuters, explaining that honest work was something to respect regardless of a person’s previous position.

He also expressed hope that other politicians would be willing to work alongside ordinary people rather than remain disconnected from everyday life.

His Story Gained Attention After the Taliban Took Kabul

Sadaat’s experience attracted greater attention in August 2021, when the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan and thousands of people sought to leave the country.

His family and friends were also concerned about the situation and hoped to find ways to leave Afghanistan.

At the time, German authorities were organizing evacuation efforts for people leaving the country. The figures reported during that emergency reflected the situation in 2021 and should not be confused with current migration or asylum statistics.

Sadaat described the rapid collapse of the Afghan government as unexpected, reflecting the shock felt by many people watching events unfold.

What Happened After His Story Went Viral?

Sadaat’s story received widespread international coverage, but the original reports described his circumstances in August 2021. They do not, by themselves, establish his current job or professional situation in 2026.

The story nevertheless highlighted a challenge faced by some highly qualified migrants: professional experience and academic qualifications do not always translate into immediate employment in another country.

Language skills, recognition of qualifications and access to professional networks can all affect how quickly newcomers find work that matches their experience.

A New Beginning in Germany

Sadaat’s move from government service to food delivery was a striking career change, but he approached it as a practical step toward building a new life.

While learning German and earning a living, he continued to hope for opportunities in the telecommunications and technology sectors.

His story offered a reminder that starting over in a new country can mean accepting a different job while working toward longer-term goals.