Germany’s Scholz reaffirms election pledge to reform immigration laws

BERLIN (AA) – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday reaffirmed his election campaign pledge to reform the country’s citizenship and immigration laws.

Speaking at a gathering in Berlin, Scholz said the Social Democrat-led coalition government is planning to modernize laws to build a more inclusive and democratic society.

“Today 9 million people have no German citizenship, although they have been living and working in our country for many years,” Scholz said, adding that these immigrants have made significant contributions to the German economy and society.

“For example, in the health sector, about a quarter of doctors in Germany are not born here, they have immigration background. Similarly, one third of nurses, caretakers have immigration background,” he said.

The chancellor said planned reforms will make it easier for immigrants to become German citizens and will enhance integration and political participation.

As part of Germany’s immigration reforms, people who have already lived in the country for several years should be able to become citizens more easily. Instead of eight years, as is currently the case, it should be possible to obtain citizenship after five years of residence in Germany.

In the case of “special integration achievements,” this should even be possible after three years – for example if immigrants have shown special academic or professional achievements or voluntary commitment or have particularly good language skills.