Naturalization Syrians: What are politicians proposing?
Within the CDU/CSU, criticism of the current naturalization rules is frequently voiced. Particular attention is focused on the minimum residency requirement of five years, after which a Naturalization is possible.
CSU domestic policy expert Stephan Mayer has now voiced criticism. Speaking to *Bild*, he said: “We grant citizenship to people who barely meet the requirements after just five years. That’s too fast.” Mayer is therefore calling for “a fundamental reform of citizenship law.”
Mayer was also clear on the issue of dual citizenship. He suggested suspending it for Syrians. He told *Bild*: “We need to consider suspending dual citizenship for Syrians. It makes little sense when we’re openly discussing mass repatriations to Syria.”
Other politicians from the Union made similar remarks. For example, Hesse’s Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) told *Bild*: “The asylum system is not an immigration system.” Its primary purpose is to protect people from persecution and the dangers of war. “Once the conditions for temporary protection no longer apply, there is no right to stay here.”
CDU politician Cornell Babendererde also called for stricter naturalization tests. She told *Bild*: “I believe it is necessary to place even greater emphasis than before on a commitment to the free democratic basic order in naturalization tests and to rigorously assess this commitment.”
Dual citizenship: What are the current rules?
A new Nationality Act has been in effect in Germany since June 27, 2024. Since then, it has generally been possible to retain one’s previous nationality upon Naturalization Germany —provided that the country of origin also permits dual citizenship.
The aim of these changes was to facilitate integration and make citizenship more accessible to more people. The reform also reduced the minimum residency requirement from eight to five years. In addition, members of the guest worker generation can now become naturalized under simplified conditions.
What is Syria's position on the repatriations?
Meanwhile, the Syrian government has reacted critically to the discussion about possible repatriations in the near future. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Schaibani stated on the platform X: “We firmly reject any attempts at forced deportation.”
Syrians in exile are not a burden. Instead, the Syrian government is working to rebuild the country’s infrastructure and create the conditions for a voluntary and safe return.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) also commented on the issue. He reaffirmed the federal government’s goal of “enabling a significant number of war refugees to return to their homeland.”
At the same time, however, he made it clear that Syrians who integrate, work, learn German, and contribute to the community could remain in Germany and would still have the opportunity to Naturalization.
Suspending dual citizenship for Syrians – is that possible?
The proposals put forward by the CDU/CSU—such as suspending dual citizenship for Syrians —are currently merely political demands. For them to be implemented, a concrete bill would first have to be introduced and passed by the Bundestag.
There is currently no such proposal. This means that the current requirements for Naturalization in effect. This includes the right to dual citizenship, as enshrined in law since June 2024.
Furthermore, it is questionable whether a special provision that suspends dual citizenship for certain nationalities (in this case, Syrians) is legally permissible at all. In Germany, the principle of equal treatment under Article 3 of the Basic Law applies.
This principle stipulates that all people must be treated equally under the law—regardless of their gender, ancestry, race, language, country of origin, or religion. Differential treatment in the Naturalization based Naturalization on citizenship would therefore be legally problematic and could be challenged in court.
It therefore remains to be seen whether these political demands will actually lead to a concrete legislative process—and whether such a process would hold up in court.
