Germany’s newly formed coalition government—led by the CDU/CSU in partnership with the SPD—has unveiled a controversial and sweeping overhaul of its immigration policy.
The 144-page coalition agreement outlines significant restrictions to tighten asylum procedures, curb citizenship access, and reduce overall migration levels.
These shifts reflect the CDU/CSU’s election platform, which emphasized a stricter approach to migration. Party leader and chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has defended the reforms, calling them necessary to address what he terms Germany’s overstretched infrastructure.
On the other hand, the federal government is already working hard on increasing legal and skilled immigrants in the country so that the needs of the local labor market can be met. This is why alone in 2024, 174,000 work visas have been issued.
Key Takeaways from Germany’s New Immigration Policy
| Policy Area | Key Changes Introduced |
| Border Controls | Enhanced border checks; stricter entry requirements for asylum seekers. |
| Deportation Measures | Launch of a “repatriation offensive” to accelerate deportations. |
| Resettlement Programs | End of federal voluntary resettlement initiatives. |
| Family Reunification | Temporary halt for certain refugee family reunion cases. |
| Safe Country List Expansion | More countries added, limiting eligibility for asylum seekers. |
| Citizenship Law Amendments | Stricter rules for naturalization; rollback of “fast-track” citizenship pathways. |
Overhaul of German Citizenship Laws
The new agreement introduces mixed reforms to Germany’s citizenship law:
| Provision | Status Under New Policy |
| Fast-track (3-year) citizenship | Abolished – Return to the 5-year standard naturalization timeline. |
| Dual citizenship | Retained – Individuals may continue to hold multiple citizenships. |
| Revocation of citizenship for extremists | Under legal review; applies only to dual citizens, not stateless individuals. |
This rollback of the “turbo naturalization” pathway comes amid CDU/CSU concerns that citizenship is being granted too quickly without adequate integration checks. The coalition is also examining ways to potentially revoke citizenship for individuals involved in terrorism or extremist activities, although such measures face legal hurdles and civil rights objections.
Temporary Suspension of Family Reunification Rights
Refugees granted subsidiary protection status—a limited form of asylum—will now face a two-year suspension on family reunification rights. This means affected individuals will be unable to bring spouses or children to Germany unless exceptional hardship is proven.
Previously, Germany allowed around 1,000 family reunification visas per month for this group. This temporary freeze aims to reduce immigration volume and reassess Germany’s capacity to integrate newcomers.
Enhanced Border Security and Entry Restrictions
Germany will continue and expand its policy of tightened border controls, effectively turning away individuals attempting to apply for asylum if they have transited through another EU country.
According to EU regulations, asylum seekers must file their applications in the first member state they enter, rendering Germany an unlikely legal entry point due to its central location within Europe.
Although earlier proposals hinted at absolute rejections, the final agreement leaves room for discretion and coordination with neighboring countries like Poland and France. Emergency-style border closures, as seen during the pandemic, are not currently being considered.
The “Repatriation Offensive”: Fast-Tracking Deportations
One of the most aggressive elements of the new policy is the “repatriation offensive”—an initiative focused on speeding up deportations of individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected.
Key measures include:
- Expanded detention capacity to hold individuals considered flight risks or potential threats.
- Increased authority for federal police to detain individuals awaiting deportation.
- Broader applicability, including possible deportations to countries like Syria and Afghanistan, pending case-by-case assessments.
Termination of Voluntary Resettlement Programs
Germany will end all federal-level voluntary resettlement programs, which previously offered refuge to particularly vulnerable individuals from conflict zones—such as children, victims of torture, or those needing urgent medical care.
While local authorities may still process special humanitarian cases, the overall trend is toward tighter scrutiny and fewer humanitarian admissions. The status of Afghan nationals awaiting relocation under previous agreements remains uncertain.
Expansion of “Safe Countries of Origin” List
The coalition intends to broaden the list of countries classified as “safe.” Nationals from these countries will face significantly lower chances of receiving asylum in Germany, as their home nations are presumed to offer protection from persecution.
However, asylum applications from these individuals will still be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, acknowledging that individual risks may still exist even in generally stable nations.
Final Thoughts
Germany’s new immigration policy represents one of the most substantial shifts in the country’s post-war migration stance. While the government insists these reforms are necessary to maintain order and sustainability, the changes also mark a departure from the more humanitarian-focused approach seen in recent years.
As implementation begins, all eyes will be on how these policies affect Germany’s role as a destination for migrants and its standing in the broader European and international community.