Germany’s cabinet, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, approved a set of immigration reforms on May 28 that tighten entry and settlement regulations amid rising public concerns about migration. The changes include suspending family reunification rights for refugees with subsidiary protection status and ending the fast-track citizenship pathway.
Under the new rules, refugees granted subsidiary protection—who do not have full asylum status, such as many Syrians—will be barred from bringing their spouses and children to Germany for the next two years. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt defended the decision, stating, “Our urban systems have reached their breaking point. We cannot manage the volume without creating severe challenges for public services.”
The coalition government, which came to power in February following an election dominated by debates on migration and border security, has also ended the accelerated citizenship route that allowed well-integrated migrants to apply for German citizenship after only three years of residency. The minimum residency requirement for citizenship applications is now five years. An exception remains for foreigners married to German citizens, who may apply after three years if their marriage has lasted at least two years.
Changes to Visa Appeal Process
Starting July 1, Germany will discontinue its informal visa appeal system, known as the remonstration process, which allowed rejected applicants to submit letters to consulates requesting a review of their visa denials. Instead, all visa refusals must now be challenged through formal legal channels.
Mamta Shekhawat, founder of study abroad platform Gradding.com, explained that this informal appeal process was an affordable and convenient option for applicants to clarify misunderstandings or provide additional information without engaging in costly legal procedures. The new changes could particularly impact Indian students and professionals, who increasingly view Germany as an alternative to more restrictive visa regimes in Canada, the US, and the UK.
Impact on Indians in Germany
Most Indian nationals in Germany—primarily students and skilled professionals—are not affected by the suspension of family reunifications, as they do not hold subsidiary protection status. However, the elimination of the fast-track citizenship option could delay long-term plans for some migrants.
Germany has been actively encouraging skilled migration from India to address labor shortages. Indians are the second-largest Asian-origin group in the country, numbering around 273,000, following Afghans. The government announced in October 2024 that professional visa approvals would increase by over 10% in 2025, and in November confirmed plans to issue 200,000 professional visas, including 90,000 for Indian workers—an increase from the previous cap of 20,000.
Skilled Workers Still in Demand
Despite the tighter immigration rules, German officials emphasize the ongoing need for foreign skilled labor. Speaking in New Delhi in April, German Ambassador to India Dr. Philipp Ackermann highlighted the demand for approximately 500,000 skilled workers annually across various sectors—from apprenticeships to specialized professions.
He noted the introduction of Germany’s “Opportunity Card,” which allows eligible migrants to apply for a visa without a prior job offer if they meet specific points-based criteria. “Currently, we issue about 20,000 to 25,000 skilled worker visas annually, which is insufficient. We need more, but with the right kind of migration—skilled and motivated candidates,” Ackermann said.
What Remains Unchanged
The five-year residency requirement for citizenship applications remains.
Applicants must demonstrate at least B1-level proficiency in German.
Dual citizenship continues to be permitted.
While the new immigration reforms introduce additional restrictions, Germany’s doors remain open to qualified individuals with the skills needed to support the country’s economy.
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