The German Cabinet has approved measures to restrict family reunification for refugees and abolish the fast-track citizenship option for foreign residents in the country.
The measures were given the green light on Wednesday, May 28, as part of the country’s plan under the new government led by conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz to tighten migration policy, Schengen.News reports.
The German Cabinet agreed to suspend for two years the right for migrants who do not qualify for full refugee status, known as subsidiary protection holders, to bring their children and spouses.
Supporting the decision, the Minister of Interior, Alexander Dobrindt, said that Germany’s ability to integrate refugees has reached a breaking point. The same added that cities and municipalities across the country are at their limit and can no longer meet the needs of refugees.
Data show that around 380,000 people in Germany currently hold the subsidiary protection status, with Syrians representing the group that will be the most affected by the new change.
According to the German Foreign Office figures, Germany issued about 120,000 visas for family reunification purposes in 2024.
Once the draft bill is passed by the Bundestag and the new rules enter into force, the number of visas issued for this category is expected to significantly drop.
Despite this change being seen as necessary by the government, human rights organisations have highly criticised the two-year suspension of migrant family reunification.
Pro Asyl said that family separations can place psychological strain on those affected and can also contribute to increased irregular migration.
German Cabinet Also Voted to End Fast-Track Naturalisation Option
The German Cabinet has also approved the measure to end the fast-track citizenship option for foreign residents in the country.
The previous government enforced a law permitting eligible foreign nationals to obtain German citizenship after three years of residing in Germany, provided that they are “specially integrated”.
The new government has decided to extend the minimum waiting period to be eligible for German citizenship to five years.
The decision to end the fast-track citizenship option comes due to the high naturalisation rates that the country saw last year, and in an attempt to have better controls on those who are granted the country’s passport.
Around 200,000 people obtained German citizenship in 2024. This represents the highest level in 25 years.
The new rules on citizenship will not affect everyone. It was explained earlier in April that citizenship after three years of residing in Germany will continue to remain available to those who have a German spouse and have been married to their partner for at least two years.