Workers will now be safeguarded against radiation hazards due to a recently accepted directive on radiation protection proposed by the Commission.
Germany's Coalition Government Strengthens Migration Policy
Berlin has enacted stricter measures in its immigration policy, following the endorsement of two proposals by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. The proposals require the approval of the Bundestag for enactment.
One significant change targets family reunification for refugees, specifically suspending this option for those granted subsidiary protection status for the next two years. The suspension aims to alleviate the strain on cities and municipalities, with overburdened public services and infrastructure cited as reasons. This move affects approximately 380,000 individuals, primarily Syrians, on whose behalf family visas have reached 120,000 in 2024. Concerns have been raised by advocacy groups over the potential psychological impact of prolonged family separation, which might push some individuals towards irregular migration routes.
Additionally, the fast-track naturalization process for "specially integrated" immigrants after three years of residency has been abolished. Instead, the minimum residency period for citizenship applications has been extended to five years, in line with older standards. This change is in response to the record-high naturalizations – over 200,000 in 2024, the highest in 25 years. Foreign nationals married to German citizens may still apply for citizenship after three years if their marriage has lasted at least two years.
Other proposed changes include a monthly cap of 1,000 applicants for core family members, starting August 1, 2025, and the rejection of asylum seekers at the borders, coordinated with European neighbors. Moreover, foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes and sentenced to imprisonment should generally be deported.
The changes signify a substantial tightening of Germany's migration policy, focusing on reducing pressure on local authorities and limiting incentives for irregular migration. The measures aim to address the capacity strain faced by German cities and municipalities. Advocacy groups have expressed concerns over the impact of these changes on individuals and families affected.
The stricter migration policy-and-legislation, advocated by Germany's Coalition Government, extends the minimum residency period for citizenship applications from three to five years, affecting the naturalization process for "specially integrated" immigrants (politics). Additionally, in an effort to alleviate the strain on cities and municipalities, family reunification for refugees with subsidiary protection status has been suspended for two years, affecting approximately 380,000 individuals, primarily Syrians, under the general-news category.
