Khaberni - The German parliament -yesterday, Wednesday- canceled what is known as "fast-track naturalization" that the previous coalition government had approved for well-integrated foreigners in German society, reflecting a sudden shift in immigration stance within the economically strong European country facing labor shortages.
Under the new decision, those wishing to acquire German citizenship must have lived in Germany for no less than 5 years instead of 3 years as was practiced in the abolished system.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated in parliament, "The German passport should be a recognition of successful integration rather than an incentive for illegal immigration."
Out of the 300,000 who applied for citizenship in 2024—a record number—only a few hundred were accepted through the fast-track naturalization process, which was primarily intended to be an incentive for skilled workers to choose to settle in Germany, which suffers from a severe labor shortage.
Candidates are required to prove achievements such as proficiency in the German language, voluntary service, professional or scientific success.
The parliament's decision to cancel "fast-track naturalization" was made possible by the votes of the new ruling coalition led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Union and the Social Democratic Party, with support from the "Alternative for Germany" party.
The Christian Union consists of Merz's Christian Democratic Union and its smaller sibling, the Bavarian Christian Social Union.
It is noted that the Alternative party holds the second strongest block within the federal parliament in Berlin.
In contrast, the Green and the Left parties have voiced significant criticism of this move; parliamentary director for the Green's caucus, Felicitas Bolat, stated that this "regressive policy" harms integration.
In turn, Ferat Kokak from the Left party accused both Christian Union parties of "entrenching xenophobia in society through their immigration policy, which is promoted by the Alternative party."
