Germany’s government on Wednesday (May 28) approved measures to restrict family reunification for immigrants and delay citizenship applications. Under the leadership of conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a significant shift in immigration policy is underway.
The cabinet agreed to a two-year suspension, halting the right for immigrants with only subsidiary protection status, mainly Syrians, to bring their children and spouses to Germany for family reunification. Around 380,000 people hold this status, and previously, the subsidiary protection policy allowed 12,000 family members to join their relatives in Germany each year.
The draft law specifies that this temporary suspension is aimed at “relieving the pressure on Germany’s reception and integration systems” and providing “appropriate means for rapidly reducing the burdens on local authorities.” Additionally, the government has abolished the “fast-track” naturalization option, where citizenship could be obtained after three years of residence, extending the minimum waiting period for citizenship to five years.
This decision overturns a provision implemented six months ago by a three-party coalition led by the Social Democrats under Olaf Scholz’s leadership.
Last year, around 200,000 people were naturalized in Germany, the highest in 25 years. Criteria for applicants typically include economic independence, stable employment, and proficient language skills.
The legislative proposal is expected to pass swiftly in the federal parliament through the ruling coalition of the conservative and social democratic parties without the need for review by the Federal Council (Bundesrat).
(Reference: Reuters)