Germany Implements New Citizenship Rules to Attract Skilled Workers

Germany's Cabinet has approved legislation to ease citizenship rules, aiming to enhance immigrant integration and address the country's shortage of skilled workers. The proposed changes include reducing the residency requirement for citizenship from eight to five years, or three years for those with "special integration accomplishments." German-born children would automatically become citizens if one parent has been a legal resident for five years. Restrictions on dual citizenship will also be lifted. The government believes these reforms will attract skilled workers and promote a diverse society, while critics argue it could hinder integration efforts and exacerbate irregular immigration.