African Entrepreneurship Record-Chapter 863 - 167: Immigration

June 12, 1892.

The Far East Empire, Jiaozhou.

As time went by, Jiaozhou became more prosperous than before; as the main trading port of East Africa, Germany, and Austria-Hungary in the Far East Empire, Jiaozhou’s development was no less than several southern coastal trading ports.

Jiaozhou’s permanent population exceeded 400,000, ranking among the top in the major northern cities, becoming an economic window to the outside in the north.

The Jiaozhou area was already very developed and prosperous, leading the way in industries in the north, with most investments from East Africa, Germany, and Austria. Other countries’ businessmen also gathered here, and certainly, agents from some ambitious countries were active in Jiaozhou, salivating over its prosperity.

Of course, the Germans had strong influence in Jiaozhou. With three great powers as backing, even countries like England and France couldn’t act arbitrarily here, so the ambitions of a small Pacific island nation had to be restrained.

After a certain great power in Africa released a batch of immigration quotas, they were met with positive responses, with long lines forming in front of the East African consulate in Jiaozhou within an hour of the notice being posted.

Unlike before, when East Africa resorted to all sorts of means to attract immigrants, including trickery, now East Africa itself attracted many willing to develop there.

"The immigration environment from then is vastly different from today! Just talk about the ships to East Africa—a cramped space inside, filled with people, slightly better than the early slave ships."

Wang Defeng stood in the line, recalling the scene of immigration to Africa years ago, feeling emotional. At just over fourteen, he had falsely reported his age to get a ticket, eventually heading to East Africa—a decision he deemed his most correct.

Wang Defeng’s East African name was Dave Wang, but now in the Far East Empire, he naturally used his real name; this time coming to the Far East Empire was to bring his family to East Africa for a better life.

Now, East Africa opened quotas for returning home to visit relatives, so he returned to the Far East Empire, his birth and upbringing land, at this juncture.

He, with his entire family, mainly his brother’s family, embarked on the journey home.

His curious little nephew asked, "Uncle, was the journey to East Africa really tough back then?"

Wang Defeng smiled and recalled, "Yes, indeed! Back then, everyone went to East Africa out of necessity for survival; many doubted the situation there, and upon arrival in Africa, found differences from what was advertised. It’s much better now; the country has developed increasingly well, and I have the chance to return. Once the visa is approved, our whole family will apply for citizenship in East Africa. The Kingdom has just acquired vast territories and is in need of people, providing much better prospects compared to here."

As they conversed, the consulate gates opened, staff began verifying lists, people eagerly chatted, with eyes sparkling with anticipation of new life.

As an East African citizen, Wang Defeng still had some privileges; for instance, their line was a fast track.

A visibly "pale" staff member sat in a chair, saying, "Documents!"

Wang Defeng’s brother’s family didn’t understand German and nervously watched Wang Defeng.

Wang Defeng produced his ID, saying to the staff member, "Mr. Wilson, I’m returning to visit relatives, and hope to bring my family here to East Africa to live with me."

Wilson briefly checked Defeng’s documents, returning them due to his fluent East African German, leaving no doubt about his identity.

However, Wilson still reminded, "Mr. Dave Wang, naturally you can bring your family, but a guarantee form must be signed since the procedures are stricter now, and we fear exploitation."

Defeng replied, "Of course, no problem. This is my brother’s family; they are honest, straightforward farmers, and I guarantee they won’t trouble the Kingdom."

Wilson nodded, "Alright, you’re a respectable military man, I believe you. Proceed inside to formalize the procedures; once finalized, there’s no turning back."

Wilson was concerned not that people might flee, but about potential delays, given current logistic constraints.

These years, East African immigration in the Far East region shrank, so many immigration ships changed to commercial ones; suddenly increasing immigrant numbers now seemed challenging.

Wang Defeng led his brother’s family into the consulate courtyard and followed signs to the visa issuing area.

After simple health tests and identity confirmation, the family easily obtained their visas for East Africa, which also served as boarding tickets.

"Citizenship registration must wait till arriving on home soil; the consulate lacks such authority. However, once in East Africa, we might separate as your family could go to Mozambique or Angola, or even Orange, but no need to worry. Contact me by mail or telegram, remember my address and name."

Defeng’s brother Wang Desen nodded, "Big brother, mentally we prepared for this long before, without you, we may not even have the chance to go to East Africa."

Currently, East African immigration requirements are high; without specific skills, obtaining a visa was difficult, especially for farmers like Desen.

Farming in the Far East differs greatly from East Africa, whose climatic environment is notably different, with East Africa taking long to develop systematic, comprehensive, accurate agricultural planting expertise.

With Defeng’s recommendation as an East African citizen, Desen’s family got this chance, a privilege of returning to visit relatives or, say, an East African citizen privilege.

Desen tightly held the visa, silently swearing to work hard, live earnestly on new soil, not disappointing his brother’s expectations.

Wang Defeng: "Of course, going to East Africa is just the first step; I don’t know how the government will arrange things. Based on my prior experience, slowly you’ll adapt—language, customs, etc., with hand-held guidance from the government. Like little Zan here, there’s school opportunity; once Zan comprehends his studies, you’ll integrate into East Africa faster."

Desen wasn’t surprised at Defeng’s remarks, as his brother already informed him of the general situation beforehand.

Honestly, if their parents had taken the brothers to East Africa back then, now even heading to East Africa wouldn’t separate them from their big brother.

Having heard about his brother’s six healthy children, Desen yearned to meet his small nephews, though this East Africa journey might not grant chances for reunions soon.

Defeng comforted, "Oh, think of these matters later; specifics will unfold upon reaching East Africa. Maybe I can first assist you in settling, as my vacation hasn’t ended, allowing more time in East Africa. Perhaps I can accompany you first to see around."

Having contributed militarily for East Africa as a combat hero, Defeng earned the return quota opportunity; thus he possessed some connections, though mainly within the military. Now retired, uncertainty loomed over previous leverage.