City of Jena welcomes new citizens

The city of Jena has once again ceremoniously welcomed new citizens. 228 people who were naturalized between May and December 2024 were invited to the event in the Rathausdiele. After "the formal, often lengthy and difficult processes of naturalization", Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche gave them a warm welcome. Kathleen Lützkendorf also took part in the event as the new Head of Department for Social Affairs, Health, Immigration and Climate.

Those naturalized in recent months come from 35 different nations on five continents. Most of them come from Syria, where almost half of the newly naturalized citizens come from.

"Germany needs an influx of people because the basis for the country's economic strength - despite digitalization and automation - will always be people," emphasized Nitzsche. This is particularly evident in Jena, an economically strong city. "By the end of the decade, around a third of the workforce will retire, but only a third of them can be replaced by young people who come from here," said the Lord Mayor. The shortage of skilled workers can be felt everywhere. However, he also knew that many people came to Germany because they were seeking protection and asylum. Those who have now been naturalized have integrated very well, which usually happens quietly and does not dominate the media.

The number of naturalizations has risen sharply in recent years. While around 30 people were naturalized in Jena every year until 2010, eight to ten years ago it was already around 50. Since 2018, the number has been over 70. In 2023, over 200 people were naturalized, and last year a total of 333.

There are very different reasons behind every naturalization

Flight, work or perhaps a relationship with a loved one - every naturalization is associated with very personal motivations, developments, fates and profound changes for each individual, said Nitzsche. In addition to legal residence of at least five years in most cases, the requirements for obtaining German citizenship are sufficient knowledge of German, a successfully passed naturalization test on the German legal and social order, a commitment to the free and democratic basic order and securing a livelihood without social welfare or unemployment benefits. "I would like to express my great appreciation for your effort, patience and perseverance, but also for your courage," said Nitzsche. "May you find a home here - if you haven't already."

Several naturalized citizens spoke briefly about their experiences: Reyhaneh Ghassemizadeh from Iran, Libor Svoboda and his family from the Czech Republic, Fatima Asadi from Afghanistan, John Thomas Lakey from the USA and Malaz Taleb from Syria. The cultural program was provided by the Multicultural Integration Group - an intercultural association that has set itself the goal of promoting the peaceful coexistence of people from different cultures, supporting the integration of immigrants through cultural activities, breaking down prejudices and counteracting xenophobic tendencies.