The Bundestag of Germany has tightened migration policy: what does it mean for Ukrainians

Germany has adopted a massive package of laws that significantly changes asylum, deportation, and naturalization rules. This is reported by Welt.

The documents provide for a faster recognition of «safe countries», restrictions on access to public lawyers, and stricter requirements for obtaining citizenship. The reform aims to expedite case processing and reduce abuse of the migration system.

Germany's migration policy: new criteria and restrictions

The German government can now independently determine the list of safe countries — without the participation of the Bundesrat. This will allow:

• to reject unfounded asylum claims faster;

• to conduct deportations more efficiently;

• to leave a chance for protection only to those who can prove a real risk of persecution.

The decision to stop automatically providing state lawyers to people at risk of deportation has sparked controversy. Critics see this as a threat to human rights, while the government insists on simplifying the procedure.

New citizenship rules: risks for applicants

Changes have also affected naturalization. Now foreigners who:

• provide false information;

• conceal information;

• deliberately mislead the authorities,

• will lose their citizenship rights for 10 years.

Due to increased scrutiny, any errors in documents, missed deadlines, or inaccuracies may lead to denial of status or risk of deportation. Experts advise consulting lawyers to avoid losing legal grounds for staying in Germany.

Earlier, we reported that the German authorities decided to stop higher social assistance payments for Ukrainian refugees who refuse work without a valid reason.