German coalition parties agree to reform citizenship law

BERLIN

Germany's coalition parties have agreed to modernize the country’s citizenship law, authorities announced on Friday.

A new draft law prepared by the Interior Ministry will simplify the process of acquiring German citizenship, and enable multiple citizenship for immigrants, the ministry said in a statement.

“People who have become part of our society should also be able to have their say in shaping our country democratically”, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a statement.

“Good examples like Canada show us that this perspective is also crucial for attracting the skilled workers we urgently need,” the Social Democrat politician said.

As part of the reform, foreigners who have been legally residing and working in the country for several years, would be able to become citizens more easily. Instead of eight years, as is currently the case, it would be possible to obtain citizenship after five years of residence in Germany.

In the case of "special integration achievements," this would be possible after three years – for example, if immigrants have shown special academic or professional achievements.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats and the co-ruling Greens have long advocated reforming the country’s immigration and citizenship laws, but a previous draft by the ministry was blocked by their coalition partner, the Free Democrats (FDP).

Upon the insistence of the FDP, the new draft will include clauses that would not allow naturalization if the applicant is convicted of racist, xenophobic, inhumane, or antisemitic acts, the Suddeutsche Zeitung daily reported.

The Interior Ministry has shared its draft bill with the federal states for review, and the final draft will be presented to the Cabinet before the summer holiday, authorities have said. It will then be submitted to the parliament for approval.