![](https://aitadal.com.pk/eng/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Germany.jpg)
BERLIN: Authorities in Germany are poised to implement a much-anticipated dual citizenship law that would allow foreigners to acquire German citizenship without losing their original citizenship.
A law will come into effect on June 27 that will ease the country’s millions of foreign residents, including a large Turkish community, many of whom have long awaited an easing of restrictions on dual citizenship. have been.
The “Citizenship Law Modernization Act” ratified by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on March 26 will be officially published in the Official Gazette on June 27. The purpose of this legislation is to simplify the process of obtaining citizenship and remove barriers to dual citizenship.
As part of the reforms that take effect tomorrow, the residency requirement for naturalization will be reduced from eight to five years. Interestingly, individuals who demonstrate successful integration into German society through academic or professional achievements, volunteer work, or language skills can reduce this period by another three years.
Additionally, as part of major changes, children born in Germany will automatically acquire German citizenship if at least one parent has legally resided in the country for at least five years. The previous condition forcing individuals to choose between their parents’ nationality and German citizenship until the age of 23 will also be abolished.
There are a few conditions to take advantage of the law, including that applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the German language and pass a citizenship test.
Although the citizenship process will be relaxed, it will not be for everyone as the government has clearly warned that people who engage in anti-Semitic, racist or inhumane activities, as well as those who are gender Not in favor of equality, would be ineligible for German citizenship. .
‘Anyone who shares our values and makes the effort can now obtain a German passport more quickly and no longer have to give up part of their identity by giving up their old nationality. But we have also made it very clear: Anyone who does not share our values cannot get a German passport,” explained German Interior Minister Nancy Fesser.
It should be noted that applicants for naturalization must provide that they have no criminal record. Additionally, foreign nationals must demonstrate their ability to support themselves financially and must not rely on government assistance or financial assistance.
Officials have also noted that asylum seekers who have stayed within German borders for long periods of time due to deportation bans are not eligible to apply for German citizenship.