German government passes bill to facilitate naturalization

The new regulations will enable foreigners to obtain German citizenship after just five years, instead of eight years as at present.

On August 23, the German Government passed a bill to shorten the time limit for applying for citizenship for qualified immigrants as well as recognize dual citizenship.

With these reforms, the German Government wants to attract more skilled workers to live and work in this country.

According to a VNA correspondent in Germany, the new regulations, expected to continue to be discussed and approved in the National Assembly in the coming time, will create conditions for foreigners to be able to acquire German citizenship after only 5 years, instead of 8 years as at present.

Even those who integrate well and have good German proficiency will be naturalized after only 3 years.

These cases also need to prove that they can support themselves without depending on state support, with a few exceptions.

In particular, the bill opens up opportunities for more people to obtain German citizenship with dual citizenship, including those in the Turkish community of millions who have long lived and worked in Germany.

Until now, the path to German citizenship has been difficult for many immigrants from Turkey and other countries who came to Germany as "guest workers" in the second half of the 20th century.

Dual citizenship is currently generally limited to citizens of European Union (EU) countries and Switzerland, although there are exceptions.

Reforming Germany's citizenship law was a key pledge made by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government when it took power in late 2021.

Europe's largest economy is also trying to attract foreign workers to address severe labor shortages and hopes to make Europe's powerhouse a more attractive destination.

According to German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, the new bill reflects a diverse society, in the context of the country having to "compete globally to attract the best minds" and will increase opportunities for potential workers by providing a clear path for them to quickly become German citizens.

Applicants for German citizenship must also commit to upholding and implementing the values of a free society. Therefore, those who commit crimes motivated by anti-Semitism or racism will be excluded./.

Manh Hung (VietnamPlus)

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