Germany divulged a recent draft of legislation on immigration. It’s aimed at making it simpler and faster to apply for citizenship.
The move is now seen as the country’s way to invite more people in and boost its job market. Germany has the fourth largest economy in the world. It’s also the largest economy in Europe. The country’s service sector covers 70% of its GDP.
Germany’s interior ministry published the proposed legislation. It offers multiple citizenship options. It also reduces the required years of residency years. The current policy was for immigrants to wait eight years before naturalization. The new legislation will see that cut down to three to five years.
The draft regulation also puts forward the move to ease the language requirements. This is especially focused on the “Gastarbeiter” generation. Most of these immigrants are from Turkey. They arrived in Germany as migrant workers back in the 1950s and 1960s.
Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said they want migrants who are part of society to help. They should aid in shaping the country. This should happen in a democratic way. Faeser said this was vital in attracting skilled workers. It's something the country needs. She held Canada up as an example of this perspective.
Transforming the Country’s Immigration Law
The German cabinet agreed last year to the plans to restructure its immigration law. Berlin is looking to open its bustling job market to skilled workers. They're now looking for people beyond the European Union. The country is in desperate need to fill vacancies that are now in the hundreds of thousands. There are job openings in different business sectors. For example, the country needs people in childcare and gastronomy. The IT and renewable energies sector also needs workers.
There were about 72.4 million people with citizenship living in Germany in 2021. There were also about 10.7 million with foreign citizenship residing in the country. 5.7 million of those had been staying in the country for at least a decade.
The proposed immigration reform bill was already challenged within Germany’s ruling coalition. Many in the conservative opposition party were also not in favor of the bill. They said the draft legislation could drive up illegal migration. It could also remove incentives and dissuade migrants to integrate into German society.
The draft bill states in clear terms what’s expected of those wanting to become citizens. They must adhere to the country’s values of supporting a free society. This includes embracing equality and dignity for everyone. Those who don’t share those values cannot become citizens. Nor will those who act contrary to what’s expected by German society.