In a significant development, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s cabinet has given its approval to a draft law that aims to overhaul Germany's citizenship rules. The proposed changes would allow individuals to hold multiple passports, facilitating the integration of foreigners into the country's economy, which is the largest in Europe. Currently, around 14% of Germany's population, or approximately 12 million people, do not hold German citizenship, and nearly half of them have been residing in the country for at least ten years.
Germany has been lagging behind the European Union average in terms of naturalization rates, with only 1.1% of the population acquiring German citizenship, compared to the EU average of 2%. This can be attributed, in part, to the requirement of giving up one's previous citizenship in order to obtain German nationality. The proposed changes in the law aim to address this issue.
While some opposition parties, notably the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany, have expressed reservations about the plans, the ruling coalition has emphasized that the new rules will require applicants to adhere to democratic values, be able to support themselves and their families, and possess a reasonable level of proficiency in the German language.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that Germany is currently engaged in a global competition for the best minds and highlighted the need for immigrants who have long been part of German society to also have the opportunity to participate in shaping the country democratically. She further explained that many immigrants identify as Germans but do not wish to completely sever ties with their countries of origin. The proposed changes would allow them to maintain dual citizenship and preserve their cultural identities.
The approved draft law suggests that the waiting period for citizenship application will be reduced from eight years to five years. Additionally, it proposes the possibility of further reducing this waiting period to three years for individuals who are deemed highly integrated. Furthermore, the law provides special treatment for guest workers who migrated to West and East Germany in the decades following World War II. These individuals will be eligible for naturalization if they can demonstrate reasonable fluency in German in their everyday lives, and their next of kin will no longer be required to pass a citizenship test.
Another notable provision in the draft law is that children born in Germany to foreign parents will automatically be granted citizenship. Moreover, newborns will be able to retain their parents' citizenship if at least one of the parents has resided in Germany for more than five years, instead of the current requirement of eight years, and has an unlimited right of residence.
The draft law will now move on to parliament for consultation, where it is likely to generate further debate and discussions.