Hamburg's naturalization boom: 6,000 applications in just 100 days!

Hamburg's naturalization boom: 6,000 applications in just 100 days!

On June 27, 2024, a new naturalization right came into force, which literally exploded applications for German citizenship in Hamburg. The responsible spokesman for the Migration Office reported that almost 6,000 applications have been received since this date. This is a significant doubling compared to the same periods in the previous year. Just 100 days after the new regulations come into force, there is already a clear trend towards more applications.

The looking statistics is just as impressive. 6.268 applications for naturalization were made in Hamburg throughout 2020. By mid -September this year alone, 13,658 applications have been registered. In addition, the number of naturalizations completed rose from 4,502 in 2020 to 7,537 in 2023. This year, 6,281 naturalizations were already carried out by mid -September. The main countries of origin of the applicants are Syria, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey.

optimized processes through digitization

The city of Hamburg reacted to the increased number of applications by hiring additional staff and digitizing the naturalization process. Applicants now have the option of submitting their applications online and digitally submitting all the required documents. This accelerates the process and enables more efficient process. The spokesman for the Migration Office emphasized that ideally only a single visit to the office is necessary - to personally pick up the naturalization certificate.

New national law: relief and requirements

The new nationality law offers several groups relief. Foreigners who work in Germany and are well integrated can achieve German citizenship after five years, which is three years less than before. In special cases, for example for particularly well integrated people, even three years of stay can be sufficient. An amusing detail is that guest and contract workers only have to prove that they can communicate orally in German in everyday life in order to fulfill the proof of voice- the naturalization test is no longer necessary.

However, there are also strict requirements. More effective requirements for the commitment to the values of a democratic society were introduced. Future citizens clearly have to respect the basic values that are anchored in the German constitution. This includes in particular the dignity and equality of all people. Actions that are anti -Semitic, racist or otherwise inhumane are not compatible with the principles of the Basic Law, as the Federal Ministry of the Interior clarifies.

These changes in the naturalization process not only show a trend towards more Integration options, but also a clear appeal to everyone who lives in Germany: the values of freedom society must be respected and accepted. The increasing number of applications can also be seen as a sign of growing interest in stronger social integration.

Developments related to naturalization law and the associated statistical results seem to be very busy in Hamburg and beyond. While the numbers rise, it remains to be seen how the new regulations will be implemented in the coming months and whether the tendency continues to increase naturalization. For further information on this topic, See the details on www.radiohamburg.de .