With 374 votes in favour, 251 against, and 11 abstentions, the Bundestag (lower chamber of the federal parliament) passed a new law that enables transgender and non-binary individuals to change their legal documents to align with their gender through a self-determination-based administrative process. Previously, a court decision and two expert reports were required  for the legal gender change. The change was welcomed since the old process was described as complicated and degrading. The applications to request change in gender entry and first names will be possible from 1 August 2024.  

Sources: The Federal Government of Germany, Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Human Rights Watch

On 19 January, the German Bundestag (lower house of parliament), passed a law aimed at reducing the time required to obtain German citizenship from eight to five years for immigrants living legally in the country. In cases of a high level of integration such as special achievements in education, work, or language skills, this period is further shortened to three years. Dual citizenship will also be allowed. Parents can claim citizenship for German-born children if at least one parent has been a legal resident for five years. The law, proposed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left socially liberal coalition, received 382 votes in favour, 234 votes against, and 23 abstentions. The main opposition parties, the Christian Democrats and the Christian Social Union, along with the far-right party Alternative for Germany, voted against. The law seeks to provide integration incentives, bring more skilled workers and help relieve labor shortages. It was passed by the Bundesrat (upper house) on 2 February and is now awaiting signatures from Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, before entering into force three months later.

Sources: Bundestag plenary minutes, Deutsche Welle, Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community

Chancellor Olaf Scholz and state governors reached an agreement to address the rising migrant influx, implementing measures such as expediting asylum procedures, making deportation easier, restricting benefits for asylum-seekers, and providing increased financial aid to affected states and local communities. The authorities said that the aim of these measures is to reduce irregular migration. Amid the ongoing refugee crisis, Germany has taken in over 1 million Ukrainians, prompting changes in the financing system for asylum seekers.

Sources: Euronews, Bundesministeriums des Innern und für Heimat 

The Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), responsible for monitoring anti-constitutional groups, has classified the regional branch of the Alternative for Germany (AfD)  in Saxony-Anhalt, a right-wing wing populist party, with the highest category used by the domestic intelligence service — ‘definitely extremist aspirations.’ Authorities stated that they gathered significant evidence, revealing Islamophobic, antisemitic, and racist statements by AfD officials, which violate the three pillars of the German constitution: human dignity, the principles of democracy, and the rule of law. The classification grants BfV expanded state-level surveillance authority, enabling systematic collection of personal data without restrictions on intelligence gathering. This decision coincides with the upcoming regional elections in 2024 in Thuringia, Brandenburg, and Saxony, where polls indicate a rise in support for the far-right AfD, ranging from 15 to 35 per cent. Saxony-Anhalt's AfD becomes the second party chapter to be classified as right-wing extremist, following its branch in Thuringia in 2021.

Sources: Deutsche Welle, Politico, mdr, ZEIT Online

In a major shift in Germany’s policy, the parliament passed a new immigration law that creates opportunities for non-EU citizens wishing to work in Germany, as well as for refugees already in the country. Bundesrat, Germany’s upper house, gave the final approval in July. The legislation aims at attracting skilled labour in order to target the current shortage deemed as slowing the economy’s growth by turning Germany into a more immigration-friendly country. The law reduces restrictions and bureaucratic bottlenecks for applicants, lowering eligibility criteria for Blue Card work visas, and introducing the “opportunity card” (Canada-style points-based system) that will be awarded to applicants who meet certain requirements to go to Germany for a year to find employment. Refugees who applied for asylum by 29 March, as well as those on a tourist visa will also be allowed to join the labour market under specific conditions. All three coalition parties voted for the legislation. The centre-right CDU/CSU parties and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) voted against, while the left-leaning Linke abstained.  

Sources: Deutsche Welle, German Federal Government, Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen, Cabinet of Germany (Bundesregierung)