Approval of dual citizenship law in Germany

In Germany, the Council of Ministers approved the bill allowing dual citizenship for all and facilitating the transition to German citizenship.

With the project entitled “Modernization of the Citizenship Law” drawn up by the Ministry of the Interior, the right to dual citizenship, which previously applied to a limited number of citizens, will be extended to all.

THE CONDITIONS ARE REMOVED

If the bill is approved by the Bundestag, the conditions for the admission of foreigners to German citizenship will also be relaxed.

Consequently, the “lawful residence period” required for naturalization will be reduced from 8 years to 5 years. This period can be reduced to 3 years for those who make special efforts to adapt to living conditions in Germany, such as succeeding in their field or education, doing volunteer work.

This period can be reduced to 3 years for those who are successful in work or education, and those who make efforts in volunteering in the country.

Adoption of the values ​​and laws of Germany’s liberal society and the ability to support yourself and your family without social benefits are among the conditions for obtaining German citizenship. Those who participate in anti-Semitic, racist, xenophobic or other inhumane acts will not be granted German citizenship.

In addition, those who are polygamous or act against the equality of men and women in the constitution will not be naturalized.

GERMAN PASSPORT FOR FOREIGN CHILDREN

The bill, which allows for dual citizenship, will also allow for multiple citizenships. At the same time, the rule according to which those who acquire the citizenship of a foreign country will lose their German citizenship will also be removed.

Foreign children born in the country will be able to obtain a German passport if one of the parents legally resides in Germany for 5 years. In addition, children will be able to acquire dual citizenship while retaining the citizenship of their parents.

The bill contains a special regime for workers who arrived in the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) until June 30, 1974 under the Labor Agreement and in the former German Democratic Republic (East Germany) as contract workers until June 13, 1990.

Consequently, for these people the requirement of the written exam for the transition to German citizenship will be waived. It was stated that in the past so-called guest workers could not follow language or integration courses, since it was initially foreseen that they would stay temporarily in Germany only for the purpose of working and would therefore be exempted from the naturalization test. .

CITIZENSHIP BY CEREMONY

German citizens included in the bill will receive their documents in a ceremony. Here it is planned to use the symbols of Germany as far as possible.

Introducing the bill in Berlin, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said that the regulation in question is one of the most important reforms of the current government and that they are happy to put it into practice and will enact a modern law.

Noting that people who have long been part of German society want her to shape the country, Faeser said: “Immigrants will no longer be forced to give up a part of their identity. So we are bringing about a long overdue paradigm shift.” saying.

Recalling that in the past discussions about citizenship law were often made within the framework of exclusion and prejudice, Faeser said: “These discussions were held about people who have lived in the country for a long time and contributed to our well-being. Due to these discussions, these people were not allowed to belong to the society. We are changing that now.” he used his statements.

‘NEEDS OF THE ECONOMY’

Faeser stressed that the German economy also needs this law: “We are in a global competition for the best minds. We need skilled workers in many fields. If we can make the best minds part of our society in the future, we can win.” he made the assessment of it.

The bill is expected to become law once it is approved by the Bundestag in the coming months.

According to data from the Ministry of the Interior, more than 12 million people in Germany have foreign citizenship. Around 5.3 million of them have resided in the country for at least 10 years.
In 2022, 168,545 people applied for German citizenship. (AA)