On Wednesday, October 8, the German Parliament canceled the fast-track naturalization program that allowed some foreign migrants to obtain German citizenship in three years instead of five.
This decision marks a significant political shift in the country’s immigration policy, as reported by Reuters.
The move comes at a time when Germany, the largest economy in Europe, is facing a severe labor shortage, despite its previous efforts to facilitate the integration of foreign talents through simplified citizenship processes.
The decision has shocked the Moroccan community residing in Germany, as the cancellation of the fast-track program will deny Moroccans living there access to this expedited path to citizenship, particularly affecting young people working in healthcare, services, and technology sectors.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated before Parliament, “The German passport should be a recognition of successful integration, not an incentive for illegal immigration,” emphasizing the importance of linking citizenship to tangible integration indicators such as proficiency in the German language, community participation, and professional or academic achievements.
The abolished program aimed to attract skilled labor and encourage them to settle in the country, but the number of beneficiaries remained limited. According to official data, approximately 300,000 people applied for citizenship in 2024, but the proportion who received it through the fast-track naturalization was minimal.
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