The German Cabinet has approved a series of sweeping reforms to tighten the country’s immigration policy, including a two-year suspension of family reunification rights for certain refugees and the abolition of the fast-track naturalisation path for foreign residents.
These decisions, officially adopted on Wednesday, May 28, reflect the new conservative-led government's strategy under Chancellor Friedrich Merz to address growing concerns about migration management and integration capacity across the country.
Family Reunification Rights Suspended for Subsidiary Protection Holders
In a significant shift from previous policies, the German Cabinet agreed to suspend for two years the right of migrants with subsidiary protection status to bring their spouses and children to Germany.
Subsidiary protection is granted to individuals who do not meet the criteria for full refugee status under the Geneva Convention but still face serious harm if returned to their home country.
Minister of Interior Alexander Dobrindt justified the measure by pointing to Germany’s strained integration systems.
“Germany’s ability to integrate refugees has reached a breaking point. Municipalities and cities are overburdened and can no longer meet the needs of refugees,” Dobrindt said.
According to government data, approximately 380,000 people in Germany currently hold subsidiary protection status, with Syrian nationals comprising the largest group. These individuals will be most affected by the new restriction.
In 2024, Germany issued around 120,000 family reunification visas, according to figures from the German Foreign Office. With the new regulation in place, this number is expected to drop significantly once the draft legislation passes through the Bundestag and is formally enacted.
However, the suspension has faced strong criticism from human rights organizations, including Pro Asyl, which warned of the long-term impact of family separation on mental health and the potential rise in irregular migration as desperate families seek alternative paths to reunite.
Fast-Track Citizenship Option Abolished
In a parallel move, the German Cabinet also voted to eliminate the fast-track naturalisation option introduced by the previous administration.
Previously, the law allowed eligible foreign nationals demonstrating a high level of integration to apply for German citizenship after just three years of residency. This path was particularly popular among skilled workers, students, and long-term residents who had quickly integrated into German society.
Under the new reforms, the minimum residency period to apply for German citizenship has been extended to five years.
Government officials cited a record-breaking 200,000 naturalisations in 2024 — the highest in 25 years — as a key driver behind the change. The Merz administration has expressed the need for stricter eligibility controls and a more measured approach to granting citizenship.
Despite the rollback, the government has clarified that certain exceptions will remain. Foreign nationals married to German citizens will still be allowed to apply for citizenship after three years of residency, provided they have been married for at least two years.
Mixed Reactions and Political Context
The new reforms have sparked a broad debate across Germany. Supporters argue that these measures are necessary to safeguard public services, control migration flows, and ensure effective integration. Critics, however, warn that the decisions could lead to greater social fragmentation, violate humanitarian principles, and strain Germany’s international reputation as a refugee-hosting nation.
The changes form part of a wider migration and integration strategy spearheaded by the new coalition government, which has pledged to overhaul immigration laws, enforce stricter border policies, and prioritize domestic cohesion.
As the proposed legislation moves forward, advocacy groups, legal experts, and affected families are expected to increase pressure on lawmakers to reconsider or amend aspects of the reform.
