After prolonged negotiations, the 'traffic light' coalition parties—the Social Democrats, the Free Democratic Party, and the Greens—announced that they have smoothed out the final provisions of the forthcoming bill allowing dual citizenship for all who wish to naturalize in Germany.
The law on dual citizenship in Germany may be adopted in January
Lawmakers assert that the bill could be passed after the Bundestag reconvenes in January following the Christmas break.
The draft legislation was supposed to reach the Bundestag over a year ago, but its consideration was delayed due to disagreements among the three ruling parties on various issues, ranging from whether recipients of social benefits should have the opportunity to naturalize as Germans to determining which anti-Semitic crimes should hinder obtaining German citizenship.
After the bill was approved by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's cabinet in early December, lawmakers finally introduced it for its first reading.
The leaders of the Green, SPD, and FDP factions in the Bundestag on Wednesday hailed the newly accepted law as "fair towards modern immigration society and principles of humanity and order".
The three ruling parties still agree on the main goals of the law
People naturalizing in Germany will no longer be required to surrender their old passports, and citizenship should be possible after five years of residency in Germany, as opposed to the current eight.
It is expected that the revised bill will limit the possibility of naturalization for the unemployed and those receiving benefits. However, there is an anticipated provision for difficulties, allowing for some exceptions.
The coalition has also agreed on new deportation measures, reducing the mandatory pre-deportation detention period to prevent individuals subject to deportation orders from simply disappearing and residing illegally in the country.
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The successful passage of the dual citizenship bill in Germany could pave the way for increased immigration, as individuals may now see Germany as a more welcoming country due to its flexible citizenship policies.
Despite the agreement on key aspects of the law, the prospect of naturalization for individuals reliant on social benefits remains a contentious issue in the ongoing immigration to Germany.
