Law facilitating dual citizenship in Germany passes Parliament! 'We are removing the barrier'

In Germany, the bill facilitating dual citizenship has passed the Federal Parliament and become law. The bill titled "Modernization of the Citizenship Law," prepared by the coalition government of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), The Greens, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), was approved by Parliament with 382 votes in favor. There were 234 "no" votes and 23 abstentions.

Minister of State for Migration, Refugees and Integration Reem Alabali-Radovan stated that the bill represents a firm stance against the far-right, adding that despite the existence of a strong constitution, institutions, and civil society, everything must be defended with determination.

Green Party MP Canan Bayram emphasized that the bill is an important step against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's plans to deport immigrants, stating, "We are defending a free and equal society. In doing so, we are doing justice to the diversity in our country and removing a barrier that prevents naturalization."

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed her satisfaction with the adoption of the bill, commenting, "Our reform is a sign of our commitment to a modern Germany. We have created a modern immigration law that does justice to our diverse society."

With the law, the legal residence period required for German citizenship is reduced from 8 years to 5 years, and integration requirements have been relaxed. Furthermore, since dual citizenship is now permitted, the "option model," which previously forced young people to choose between their parents' citizenship or German citizenship by the age of 23, has been completely abolished. The law will come into effect in April. Some facilitations have also been introduced for the guest worker generation; the written exam requirement has been removed, and certain groups have been exempted.

News Source : AA