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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Germany to end 3-year citizenship option for migrants; 5-year path to stay
Germany is preparing to end a policy that allows well-integrated migrants to apply for citizenship after just three years of residency. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is expected to present a bill that would roll back the fast-track option introduced by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Three-year naturalisation process to go Speaking to Bild, a German newspaper, Dobrindt said, 'Express naturalisation after three years of residency was a mistake. We are putting an end to it now. German citizenship must come at the end of an integration process and not at the beginning.' The measure was brought in last June by the previous coalition government of the SPD, the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party. It allowed residents to apply for German citizenship after three years if they had advanced German language skills—level C1—and could show strong achievements in integrating into German society, such as volunteer work or professional success. Under the existing system: 1. Residents with C1-level German and other strong achievements can apply after three years. 2. Most permanent residents can apply after five years with B1-level German and knowledge of German history. Skilled worker shortages remain Germany's decision comes despite ongoing labour shortages across several sectors. Business groups have repeatedly urged the government to make it easier for foreign professionals to settle in Germany. In April, German Ambassador to India Dr Philipp Ackermann spoke about Germany's need for skilled workers. At the launch of the Global Access to Talent from India (GATI) Foundation in New Delhi, he said, 'Our government has very clearly identified a need for about 500,000 skilled workers per year across all sectors—not just the top levels but also at the apprenticeship level. We need bakers, butchers, plumbers—people across the skills spectrum.' Ackermann also spoke about the new 'Opportunity Card', a points-based system allowing individuals to apply for a visa without a prior job offer if they meet the criteria. 'Currently, we issue about 20,000 to 25,000 skilled worker visas a year. That's not enough. We need more—but also the right kind of migration, with skilled, motivated candidates,' he said. What remains unchanged for migrants * The 5-year residency route to citizenship remains in place. * Applicants must have an intermediate B1 level of German. * Dual citizenship is still permitted. Indians planning to work in Germany should note that the country remains open to skilled professionals, despite plans to scrap the expedited naturalisation route. With 273,000 people of Indian origin—including expatriates and German citizens—already residing in the country, Indians represent the second-largest South, South East, East, or Central Asian community in Germany after Afghanistan. In October 2024, Germany announced plans to issue over 10% more professional visas in 2025 to combat labour shortages. On November 17, the government confirmed it will issue 200,000 professional visas next year. Of these, 90,000 will be allocated to Indian skilled workers, a significant increase from the previous cap of 20,000.
India Gazette
23-05-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
Meghalaya starts program to enable nurses to work in Germany
Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], May 23 (ANI): Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the German Language Training Programme for Overseas Placement at the Shillong Tech Park on Thursday. The programme, supported by the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) under the Department of Labour, Employment & Skill Development, is aimed at training and placing qualified healthcare professionals from the state in Germany. Following the successful deployment of Meghalaya's youth to Japan and Singapore, Germany has now become the next destination offering a global stage for the state's aspiring nurses and healthcare professionals. 'What we are doing here today is converting a challenge into a great opportunity. Meghalaya has one of the youngest populations in the country, and we are turning this demographic advantage into a global force. If we send even 30,000 professionals abroad, the remittances can amount to Rs 250 crore a month -- that's Rs 3000 crore a year into our families' hands', the Chief Minister remarked. He assured full support from the state, including financial aid for initial training and building trust for overseas placements and said, 'Parents once hesitated due to concerns over cost and safety. Today, the government stands as a guarantor. We are here to ensure your children are safe, guided, and given the best opportunities.' The Chief Minister also committed to personally accompanying the first batch of selected candidates to Germany. He further said that this collaboration would strengthen the relationship between India and Germany, and is glad that Meghalaya, through its strong young workforce, is able to be a part of that growth story. 'Germany is facing an urgent shortage of healthcare professionals. By 2035, we will need 7 million additional skilled workers. Today's programme marks a life-changing journey -- these young professionals will not only work in Germany but thrive, contribute, and grow,' said Andrea Jeske, Deputy Consul General, who is representing the German Consulate Kolkata, who expressed deep optimism about the partnership. She further highlighted Germany's new immigration policies, like the Opportunity Card and the Skilled Immigration Act, which provide smoother pathways for non-EU workers. Jan Eben, Country Director General of People to Help Germany, underscored the programme's holistic approach, highlighting that this partnership is not just about jobs but it's about building lives. He further said, 'We support candidates from training to integration. From language and cultural training to meeting you at the airport in Germany, you will never be alone on this journey.' IndieTalent, in partnership with 2COMS Group, is the implementing agency providing end-to-end support, including training, visa processing, and placement services. Payel Bhattacharya, Business Head of IndieTalent, added, 'This collaboration is about dreams. The youth of Meghalaya are already shining in Japan and Singapore. Now, they are set to make their mark in Germany too.' The programme will see selected candidates undergo six months of intensive German language training (up to B2 level), followed by interviews, visa procedures, and final placement in reputed German healthcare institutions. With 750+ offer letters already issued under IndieTalent's initiatives and over 580 migration formalities completed, this Meghalaya-Germany partnership marks another proud stride in placing the state's youth on the global workforce map. (ANI)
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Meghalaya starts program to enable nurses to work in Germany
Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the German Language Training Programme for Overseas Placement at the Shillong Tech Park on Thursday. The programme, supported by the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) under the Department of Labour, Employment & Skill Development, is aimed at training and placing qualified healthcare professionals from the state in Germany. Following the successful deployment of Meghalaya's youth to Japan and Singapore, Germany has now become the next destination offering a global stage for the state's aspiring nurses and healthcare professionals. "What we are doing here today is converting a challenge into a great opportunity. Meghalaya has one of the youngest populations in the country, and we are turning this demographic advantage into a global force. If we send even 30,000 professionals abroad, the remittances can amount to Rs 250 crore a month -- that's Rs 3000 crore a year into our families' hands", the Chief Minister remarked. He assured full support from the state, including financial aid for initial training and building trust for overseas placements and said, "Parents once hesitated due to concerns over cost and safety. Today, the government stands as a guarantor. We are here to ensure your children are safe, guided, and given the best opportunities." The Chief Minister also committed to personally accompanying the first batch of selected candidates to Germany. He further said that this collaboration would strengthen the relationship between India and Germany, and is glad that Meghalaya, through its strong young workforce, is able to be a part of that growth story. "Germany is facing an urgent shortage of healthcare professionals. By 2035, we will need 7 million additional skilled workers. Today's programme marks a life-changing journey -- these young professionals will not only work in Germany but thrive, contribute, and grow," said Andrea Jeske, Deputy Consul General, who is representing the German Consulate Kolkata, who expressed deep optimism about the partnership. She further highlighted Germany's new immigration policies, like the Opportunity Card and the Skilled Immigration Act, which provide smoother pathways for non-EU workers. Jan Eben, Country Director General of People to Help Germany, underscored the programme's holistic approach, highlighting that this partnership is not just about jobs but it's about building lives. He further said, "We support candidates from training to integration. From language and cultural training to meeting you at the airport in Germany, you will never be alone on this journey." IndieTalent , in partnership with 2COMS Group, is the implementing agency providing end-to-end support, including training, visa processing, and placement services. Payel Bhattacharya, Business Head of IndieTalent, added, "This collaboration is about dreams. The youth of Meghalaya are already shining in Japan and Singapore. Now, they are set to make their mark in Germany too." The programme will see selected candidates undergo six months of intensive German language training (up to B2 level), followed by interviews, visa procedures, and final placement in reputed German healthcare institutions. With 750+ offer letters already issued under IndieTalent's initiatives and over 580 migration formalities completed, this Meghalaya-Germany partnership marks another proud stride in placing the state's youth on the global workforce map.
Local Germany
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Local Germany
Who is the new German minister in charge of immigration?
On May 6th, when Germany's new government enters office, it will make the end of a short but eventful era for foreigners. Under the former traffic-light coalition, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser oversaw a number of big liberalisations in immigration policy, from allowing dual citizenship to bringing in the points-based Opportunity Card . Over the years, Faeser repeatedly stressed the benefits of migration, saying Germany needed to win a global competition for the best and brightest minds. Now, however, with the centre-right Christian Social Union (CSU) taking over the ministry from the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), there's set to be a significant change in tone. The new minister in charge will be Alexander Dobrindt: a 54-year-old veteran of the party who currently heads up the Bavarian wing of the CSU in the Bundestag. READ ALSO: Germany's next cabinet takes shape under leader-in-waiting Merz Announcing the appointment on Monday at noon, CSU leader Markus Söder described Dobrindt as "the strongest man we have in Berlin". Advertisement The Interior Ministry is our "leading ministry", he said, adding that it "requires a leading man". "The topic of immigration is central for the CSU, but also for democracy," Söder added. "And the coalition pact set a very good foundation for a complete change of direction and immigration." Who exactly is Alexander Dobrindt? A prominent figure in both the national and regional wing of the parties, Dobrindt has been a member of the CSU since he was 16 years old. In 1986, he joined the youth wing of the party - known as the Junge Union - and held several local leadership roles before winning his first seat as an MP in Weilheim, Upper Bavaria, in 2002. Serving as Transport Minister under former Chancellor Angela Merkel back in 2013-2017, the softly-spoken politician faced criticism for his handling of the 2015 'Dieselgate' scandal. READ ALSO: German prosecutors seek jail terms in VW 'dieselgate' trial After it emerged that the car giant Volkswagen had been using devices to cheat emissions tests, environment groups accused Dobrindt of refusing to cooperate with investigations. He later personally intervened to prevent a joint lawsuit by VW for affected consumers. The logo of German car maker Volkswagen (VW) is seen on the front of a Volkswagen ID. Photo: Christof Stache / AFP. Praising his pick for Interior Minister, Söder described Dobrindt as a politician who was "competent and decisive, but also with a clear conservative profile". This "conservative profile" includes an uncompromising stance on migration. Back in 2024, as the traffic-light coalition geared up to introduce its dual national law, Dobrindt fumed that the bill would "split Germany". READ ALSO: Germany to end three-year 'turbo track' for citizenship "The new traffic light citizenship law with express naturalisation after just three years and regular dual citizenship is a denunciation of decades of social consensus," he said, adding that the move would "intensify" debates about migration. Advertisement "The traffic light parties are constantly trying to deny their responsibility for the polarisation of Germany. The truth is, however, that they are throwing water on the mill of the AfD every week." Outside of his opposition to dual nationality, Dobrindt has repeatedly taken a tough line on asylum seekers, advocating for the return of Ukrainian refugees who don't take up work in Germany. Speaking to RTL on Monday, the incoming minister pledged a "turnaround" in migration. "We have to get migration back on track and that means ensuring that the numbers go down," he said. "We will ensure that the number of refusals at the borders increases significantly. We will suspend family reunification and we will repatriate people, including to countries such as Syria and Afghanistan." Police carry out checks for irregular migrants at the German border with Poland. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Patrick Pleul Though there will need to be some discussion with the SPD, Dobrindt seemed confident of passing the measures set out in the parties' coalition agreement. "We have agreed tough measures in the coalition pact that will enable a turnaround in migration," he said. "And my task is to implement and fulfil them accordingly." What is the government planning when it comes to migration? Though the CDU and CSU didn't manage to get everything on their wish list into the coalition pact, the document certainly takes a much stricter stance on migration. Here, the primary target is refugees and so-called "irregular migration". According to soon-to-be Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the incoming government will turn away people without entry permits at the border and repatriate migrants en masse if their applications for asylum are rejected. The government has already paused flights that were meant to transport people from Afghanistan who are at risk of Taliban persecution. On citizenship, dual nationality will remain, as will naturalisation after five years - but a three-year track for specially integrated foreigners will be dispensed with . Advertisement There will also be measures to speed up the recognition of qualifications for foreign skilled workers, and set up a digital 'Work and Stay Agency' to make it easier for workers to move to Germany. In a more controversial plan, the new black-red coalition will also consider stripping German citizenship from "terror supporters, antisemites and extremists" who also hold another nationality. However, this idea has been slammed as a move towards a "two-class" citizenship system, and legal experts have claimed it is unconstitutional. READ ALSO: Germany's next government could make it easier to strip citizenship from dual nationals With questions looming about the legality of some of the new government's plans, Dobrindt may find himself embroiled in legal battles when he tries to enact legislation. However, the CSU politician has previously expressed admiration for politicians who move fast and govern by decree, mentioning US President Donald Trump as a positive example. US President Donald Trump announces a 90-day pause on his "Liberation Day" tariffs at the Oval Office in Washington D.C. on Wednesday. Photo: picture alliance/dpa/Pool | Uncredited "The images from America show a president who proves every day by decree that he is able to bring about political change with his signature," Dobrindt told the Rheinische Post in January. "In Germany, this leads to the realisation that rapid political change is also possible in democracies if there is the necessary willingness on the part of the responsible politicians." According to Dobrindt, the new chancellor should issue directives to tackle the issue of migration. "It is recognisable that politicians are capable of making fundamental decisions," he explained, referring to Trump's first weeks in office. "And that is also expected in Germany."
