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“We urgently need qualified workers in many areas of our economy,” said the Federal Minister of the Interior on Friday.
Published on January 19, 2024 4:40 p.m. Updated on January 19, 2024 5:13 p.m
Reading time: 1 min
A poster saying “Welcome to Germany” in several languages at an asylum seekers center, January 17, 2024, in Dortmund (Germany). (BERND THISSEN / DPA / AFP)
Europe's largest economy is opening up a little more to immigration. On Friday, January 19, German MPs passed a law that loosens the conditions for obtaining citizenship, in particular in order to reduce the labor shortage in the country. According to this text, supported by the government of the Social Democratic Chancellor Olaf Scholz, it is now possible to apply for German citizenship after five years instead of the previous eight.
The law also opens up the possibility for more people to have dual citizenship, an opportunity for the large Turkish community in Germany with around 1.5 million nationals. Olaf Scholz welcomed the passage of this law: “You are part of Germany,” he said, addressing “everyone who has lived and worked in the country for decades.”
“A global competition for the best minds”
“Our reform is crucial for Germany’s economic situation,” emphasized Interior Minister Nancy Faeser after the law was passed. “We are in the middle of a global competition for the best minds. We urgently need skilled workers in many areas of our economy,” she added. With a population of almost 82 million, Germany is faced with an aging population that is leading to increasing tensions in the labor market.
“We will need more immigration,” warned Chancellor Olaf Scholz in October, saying he wanted to “limit irregular immigration” in Germany because “too many people are coming.” In this logic of chosen immigration, German Labor Minister Hubertus Heil must travel to Thailand and Vietnam next week in the hope of attracting “thinking minds and helping hands,” particularly in the health sector.