Germany imposes restrictions on family reunification and tightens citizenship rules

The German government on May 28 agreed to plans to impose restrictions on family reunification for some migrants and to tighten rules for obtaining citizenship.

Tightening migration policies was a key promise of the new conservative chancellor, Friedrich Merz, during the campaign for February's elections, and his government immediately imposed controls on Germany's borders after he took office as chancellor earlier this month.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told reporters on Wednesday that the new measures are important for reducing irregular migration.

The suspension of family reunification will last at least two years and will affect people who do not have full refugee status.

Dobrindt said that this decision will help "facilitate" the work of local councils, which are designated to provide assistance and integration to newcomers to this country.

He recalled that similar measures were in force between 2016 and 2018, at the time when Europe faced the migrant crisis.

Dobrindt also announced the abolition of a reform implemented by the previous government, under which immigrants could apply for citizenship after three years of residence in Germany if they could prove they had “successful integration.” The residency requirement will now be increased again to five years.

According to Minister Dobrindt, the new measures will help reduce "pull factors" for migrants who might otherwise try to enter Germany irregularly.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has long been against immigration, with leading party figures calling for mass deportations of foreigners.

Merz has been accused by critics of trying to win support from the AfD with his rhetoric, but he insists that taking action on migration is the only way to counter the rise in popularity of the far right.

The AfD achieved its best result ever, just over 20 percent, in the general election held in February.

Wednesday's decisions are expected to be approved by Parliament before the summer recess, which begins in July.

Tougher border controls, introduced earlier this month, aim to turn back all illegal migrants, including asylum seekers, and the measures have angered some of Germany's neighbors.

"It's no surprise that these decisions have sparked criticism," Dobrindt said.

"But they are necessary to clearly show that we have changed course on migration."/REL