(de-news.net) – The Federal Cabinet has approved two legislative drafts aimed at tightening migration policy. One proposal is meant to abolish accelerated naturalisation, which had allowed particularly well-integrated migrants to obtain citizenship after three years. Additionally, the reunification of children and spouses for individuals with subsidiary protection status — without full refugee status — will be suspended for an initial period of two years.

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) stated that the decisions made by the Federal Cabinet today were aimed at reducing irregular migration. He explained that the objective was to diminish pull factors, to introduce greater order into migration processes, and to uphold the guiding principles of both humanitarian responsibility and regulatory order.

The Expert Council on Integration and Migration expressed criticism of these measures. Council Chair Kluth stated that, while the suspension is legally permissible, it overlooks the positive impact of family reunification on integration. He also highlighted the importance of indispensable personnel in the domestic labour market, particularly in the healthcare sector.