German government launches bill updating citizenship rules

Germany’s interior ministry has revealed a bill aimed at simplifying the citizenship process, as the country seeks to boost migration and help expand the labour market of Europe’s biggest economy.

The bill provides for dual citizenship and reduces the required period of residency to five or three years, instead of the previous eight ones. German-language requirements for citizenship will also be eased for members of the migrant generation who moved to Germany in the 1950s and 1960s.

Interior Minister Nancy Faiser focused on the need to attract skilled specialists to Germany, following Canada’s example, and said it was essential foreign nationals could contribute to «shaping and improving the country democratically».

Source: Reuters