About 131,600 foreigners became naturalised German citizens in 2021, according to a new report by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). The figure represents an increase of roughly 21,700 naturalisations, or 20%, compared with the previous year. More than half of the increase is attributable to the large number of naturalisations of Syrians; 19,100 Syrian citizens were naturalised in 2021, which …

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, more than 600,000 Ukrainians and people of other nationalities resident in the country have entered Germany to seek refuge. Among the refugees are Africans, most of whom are students. Africans fleeing the war have been reportedly discriminated against while crossing the country’s borders into safety. Beyond their unsavoury …

Germany announced on 11 June that it had provisionally lifted all COVID-19 entry restrictions to the country. Travel from non-EU countries to Germany is now permitted for all purposes (including tourism and visits) and no proof of vaccination, recovery or testing is required any longer. “Visas as required for entry into Germany may be applied for with the German Consulate …