Long wait for naturalization despite reform
Published: Sunday, Aug 4th 2024, 05:10
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The new citizenship law has triggered a great demand for German passports. However, according to estimates by the Association of German Cities, the path to naturalization remains long for many foreigners - at least initially.
The reform, which came into force on 27 June, is often perceived by the public as not only making naturalization easier, but also faster, said Helmut Dedy, Managing Director of the umbrella association of local authorities, to the German Press Agency. "This is not the case, at least not for the next few months," he said.
The fact that a large number of new applications are now being submitted to already overburdened offices is initially slowing down the process instead of speeding it up. "Naturalization applicants must first of all be patient," explained Dedy.
Naturalization application usually possible after five years
The new citizenship law passed by the SPD, Greens and FDP stipulates that naturalization is now only possible after five years instead of the previous eight - provided that the applicant meets all the conditions. This includes, for example, the applicant being able to support themselves.
Foreigners with exceptional integration achievements should be able to become German citizens after just three years. Prerequisites for faster naturalization are good performance at school or at work, excellent language skills or voluntary work. Multiple nationality - the so-called double passport - is generally permitted. In order to recognize the achievements of GDR contract workers and so-called guest workers, the requirements for naturalization were lowered for them.
Hamburg has increased its staff
At the naturalization office of the city of Erfurt, the waiting time for processing is currently over a year. According to the authority, it then takes three to six months to process the application, depending on the complexity of the case. While 68 applications were received in the Thuringian state capital in June, there were already significantly more in July: 114 applications. In Hamburg, where staff had already been increased as a precautionary measure according to a spokesperson, the average processing time is around one year.
Many cities go to great lengths and welcome new citizens at naturalization ceremonies, according to the Association of Cities and Towns. What is possible is also being done in terms of personnel. However, CEO Dedy sees a limit being reached here. He says: "The staffing bottlenecks that have arisen due to new tasks and thus more and more processes in the offices cannot simply be eliminated."
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