The cabinet has endorsed a proposal by Interior Minister Faeser aimed at not only reducing the requirements for obtaining citizenship but also introducing the possibility of dual citizenship
The objective is to make it easier for well-integrated immigrants and their descendants to obtain German citizenship. On Wednesday, the federal cabinet approved the plans put forth by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. Waiting times for citizenship will be shortened, and dual citizenship will be allowed.
This move is intended to make Germany more attractive to skilled professionals. However, the opposition party Union has expressed concerns that this law could exacerbate integration issues and convey “misleading messages.”
Interior Minister Faeser argued in Berlin that the updated naturalization rules would encourage people to settle and integrate in Germany. The SPD politician stated, “People who have been a part of our community for a long time should also have the opportunity to democratically influence our country.”
The reform also aims to enhance the country’s competitiveness. Faeser stated, “To attract the brightest minds from around the world, we must offer them the opportunity to become full-fledged members of our society.”
According to the Interior Ministry, around 14% of people living in Germany do not possess German citizenship, which amounts to slightly more than 12 million individuals. Among them, approximately 5.3 million have been residing in Germany for at least ten years. Faeser emphasized the issue of participation and underscored the importance of political engagement of this population for democracy.
The federal government seeks to expedite the process for migrants to acquire German citizenship, but conditions related to economic and democratic integration are set. The details include:
- Citizenship after five years.
- Requirements for economic and democratic integration.
- Permission for dual nationality under specific conditions.
- Simplified citizenship criteria for children and the generation of guest workers.
- Public citizenship ceremonies.
While some members of the Union have expressed concerns about the reform, highlighting the risks it brings, the law still needs approval from the Bundestag before it can come into effect. Faeser hopes that the reform could ideally be implemented by January.