Search

German cabinet approves dual citizenship, fast track immigration amongst other reforms: Details inside

12:26 PM | 25 Aug, 2023
German cabinet approves dual citizenship, fast track immigration amongst other reforms: Details inside

BERLIN - The German cabinet voted to pass the country’s new citizenship reforms which allow dual citizenship, simplify the naturalization process and shorten the amount of time required before applying from eight years to up to three years.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser confirmed the development at a press conference, calling the reform an "acknowledgement of a modern Germany" which is one of the "most important reform projects of the traffic-light coalition".

Under the reforms - which have to be passed by the parliament - those who can demonstrate a high level of integration and advanced German language skills will be allowed to obtain citizenship after merely three years.

The final approval would be given by the German Bundestag though the date for the vote has not yet been announced; it is likely that the bill would be put to vote after parliament returns from summer recess on September 5.

The reforms are being widely hailed by pro-immigration activists as they would ease the path to citizenship for non-Germans living and working in Europe's strongest country.

Nancy Faeser, in her comments, also pointed out that the German government hoped the reforms would encourage long-term residents in Germany to stay, and encourage new workers to come and feel welcomed.

"We are in the middle of a global competition for the best minds and many areas of our economy urgently need workers, but the best minds will only come if they are granted all democratic rights within the foreseeable future of their arrival in Germany," Faeser said.

Under the reforms, migrants living in Germany will be able to apply for a German passport after five years of residence rather than eight; however, in extraordinary circumstances, where good German skills, voluntary work or impressive occupational achievements are proven, some of the immigrants will be able to apply for a German passport just three years after relocating to the country.

Moreover, the new law will allow non-EU citizens to hold dual citizenship with their new German passport. Presently, only EU citizens have been able to keep both their original passport and German passport at a time. 

Under the new reforms, those born to foreign parents will be eligible for citizenship if only one of their parents has been legally resident in Germany for five years rather than eight.

Previously, children were entitled to German citizenship if they were born to at least one German parent, or were born within Germany to at least one parent who has lived here legally for a minimum of eight years. 

The reforms also cover eligibility for German citizenship for those receiving some kinds of social security benefits. Which benefits residents can receive and still expect their application to be successful are also set to change with the new law.

Though the new reforms are being welcomed, some say long queues for application processing are only expected to get worse if the German parliament approves the bill. 

Advertisement

Pakistani rupee exchange rate to US dollar, Euro, Pound, Dirham, and Riyal - 9 Dec 2023

Pakistani rupee remains largely stable against the US dollar, and other currencies in the open market on Saturday.

Dollar Rate in Pakistan Today

On Saturday, the US dollar was being quoted at 283.4 for buying and 285.95 for selling.

Euro comes down to 307 for buying and 310 for selling. British Pound rate remains unchanged at 358.5 for buying, and 362 for selling.

UAE Dirham AED witnessed slight drop and new rate stands at 77.2 whereas the Saudi Riyal remained stable at 76.

Source: Forex Association of Pakistan. (last update 09:00 AM)

Currency Symbol Buying Selling
US Dollar USD 283.4 285.95
Euro EUR 307 307
UK Pound Sterling GBP 358.5 362
U.A.E Dirham AED 77.2 78
Saudi Riyal SAR 76 76.8
Australian Dollar AUD 187.2 189
Bahrain Dinar BHD 755.82 763.82
Canadian Dollar CAD 209 211
China Yuan CNY 39.82 40.22
Danish Krone DKK 41.14 41.54
Hong Kong Dollar HKD 36.37 36.72
Japanese Yen JPY 3.41 3.52
Kuwaiti Dinar KWD 922.14 931.14
Malaysian Ringgit MYR 60.82 61.42
New Zealand Dollar NZD 175.33 177.33
Norwegians Krone NOK 26.12 26.42
Omani Riyal OMR 738.71 746.71
Qatari Riyal QAR 78.07 78.77
Singapore Dollar SGD 211 213
Swedish Korona SEK 27.32 27.62
Swiss Franc CHF 324.5 327
Thai Bhat THB 8.08 8.23

Gold remains under pressure in Pakistan; Check today gold rates here

Gold prices witnessed negative trend in local markets in line with the trend in the international market.

Gold Rates in Pakistan Today - 9 December 2023

On Saturday, the price of a single tola of 24-karat gold stands at Rs217,600, and 10 grams of 24k gold costs Rs186,560.

Single tola of 22 Karat Gold price costs Rs199,465, 21 karat rate per tola costs Rs190, 400 and 18k gold rate is Rs163,200.00 for each tola.

In the global market, gold prices hovers around $2,004 per ounce, after drop of $23.35 on Saturday.

Today Gold Rate in Pakistan

City Gold Silver
Lahore PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Karachi PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Islamabad PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Peshawar PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Quetta PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Sialkot PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Attock PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Gujranwala PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Jehlum PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Multan PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Bahawalpur PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Gujrat PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Nawabshah PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Chakwal PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Hyderabad PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Nowshehra PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Sargodha PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Faisalabad PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530
Mirpur PKR 217,600 PKR 2,530

Advertisement

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Sign up for Newsletter