Jihan fights for naturalization: new rules and long waiting times!

Jihan fights for naturalization: new rules and long waiting times!

in Bochum, Kenan Araz works in the action office naturalization, where he accompanies people who take the step towards naturalization in Germany. Jihan, a Syrian citizen, sits in front of him, who strives for the German passport together with her two children. The process now runs over half a year, since Jihan now learns that she still lacks the birth certificate, which makes her progress considerably more difficult. This inactivity in the authorities deals with displeasure, especially in view of the increase in the number of applications for naturalizations that have been observed since the new naturalization law came into force in summer 2024. This law allows multi -state and shortens the previous stay, which should accelerate the naturalization process on many levels.

The reform of the nationality law, which has been valid since June 27, 2024, aims to promote the integration of foreigners and to adapt the requirements for naturalization. About 14 percent of people in Germany, around 12 million, do not have a German passport. Around 5.3 million of these have been living in the country for over ten years. According to current statistics, the naturalization rate in Germany is given as only 1.1 percent-well below the EU rate of 2.0 percent, which underlines the reform requirement.

changes in the naturalization procedure

A central element of the reform is the shortening of the previous residence times: they were reduced from eight to five years, and even three years with particularly good integration. In addition, children of foreign parents automatically receive German citizenship if one parent has lived lawfully in Germany for more than five years. Former guest workers, in turn, are freed from the previous test and will only need oral language skills in the future

The requested naturalizations rose to 168,545 in 2022, which corresponds to 3.1 percent of foreign citizens who have been living in Germany for at least ten years. It seems all the more frightening that despite these positive developments, such as the possibility of multi -state, there are also strict criteria for naturalization. Among other things, this includes the need to avoid anti -Semitic and other inhumane attitudes. Naturalization applicants must also commit Germany to the historical responsibility for National Socialist injustice.

These regulations are part of a burgeoning consciousness about the importance of committed integration, but also underline the challenges that both applicants and the authorities face. Kenan Araz describes the overload in the offices as an obstacle for many who are striving for a new phase of life in Germany. The need for knowledge of German remains an integral part of the process, which is an additional hurdle, especially for people from difficult life situations.

The current circumstances not only require patience from the applicants, but also a fundamental reflection on the efficiency of the authorities and the support for people who want to find a new home in Germany. In view of this reform, however, hope for more smooth naturalization in the future could gradually meet.