The German government agreed on Wednesday to restrict family reunification for certain migrants and to tighten citizenship requirements, in line with Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s campaign promises to crack down on immigration.
Merz, a conservative who took office following February’s general election, had pledged stricter border controls. His administration acted swiftly, imposing new measures earlier this month.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the reforms as a “decisive day” for tackling irregular migration.
The two-year suspension of family reunification will affect migrants granted “subsidiary protection,” rather than full refugee status.
Dobrindt said the move would ease the burden on local authorities responsible for housing and integrating newcomers.
He pointed out that Germany had implemented a similar policy between 2016 and 2018 during the European migration crisis.
Dobrindt also announced the repeal of a policy introduced by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left government, which allowed some well-integrated immigrants to apply for citizenship after just three years. Under the new rules, the minimum residency requirement will return to five years.
“These changes will reduce pull factors for those seeking to enter Germany irregularly,” Dobrindt stated.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has consistently opposed immigration and demanded mass deportations, gained just over 20 per cent of the vote in February’s election—its best result to date.
Although Merz has faced accusations of echoing AfD rhetoric, he maintains that only firm action on migration can counter the far-right’s growing support.
Parliament is expected to approve the measures before the summer recess in July.
Earlier this month, the government introduced tighter border controls aimed at turning away undocumented migrants, including asylum seekers. The move has drawn criticism from neighbouring countries.
“It’s not surprising these measures have sparked criticism,” said Dobrindt. “But they are essential to signal a clear shift in our migration policy.”
