The incident took place on Bus No. 286, as it passed through the city of Erlangen. Some 15 asylum seekers then heard an annoucment by Sven Latteyer, who said in English:

“Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, from all over the world in this bus – I want to say something. I want to say welcome. Welcome to Germany, welcome to my country. Have a nice day.”

The city of Erlangen is home to a melting pot of more than 150 different nationalities. Consequently, refugees and immigrants are a common sight there. Not only that, but the city’s history is actually shaped by immigration, so one might say it’s “open by tradition,” as one eyewitness told a local newspaper.

Those who witnessed his kindness recounted how, people were wiping tears off their faces.

Sven Latteyer's brother-in-law fled the conflict in Kosovo to find a better life in Germany, whilst hiis grandfather, while living in Nazi Germany, was fervently opposed to the ideology – an incredibly brave thing to do at the time. His attitude comes as no surprise.

What some may find even more curious about the heart-warming gesture is the outward pride with which liberal Germans extend a helping hand: the country last year took in 40 percent of all immigrants arriving to Europe.

According to The Independent, the UK,  only took in 4 percent.