City of Jena welcomes new citizens

For the first time since the pandemic, the city of Jena has once again welcomed new citizens. 132 people who were naturalized between September 2022 and August 2023 were invited to the event in the Rathausdiele. After "the formal, often lengthy and difficult processes of naturalization", Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche warmly welcomed them.

From 27 nations on four continents

Those naturalized in recent months come from 27 different nations on four continents. Around two thirds of them originally come from Syria, and many also come from Iraq. Most of the people who are now applying for naturalization came to Jena as refugees in 2015 and 2016.

"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.

Number of naturalizations has risen sharply

"Since the last ceremony in 2019, a lot has changed in global politics and therefore also in Jena," said Nitzsche. For example, 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 the figure was already around 50. Since 2018, the number has been over 70. In the first eight months of this year, over 100 people have already been naturalized.

According to Nitzsche, every naturalization involves very personal developments, fates and profound changes for each individual concerned. The prerequisites for obtaining German citizenship include several years of residence, usually at least eight years, sufficient knowledge of German, a successfully passed naturalization test on the German legal and social order, a commitment to the German Basic Law 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."

Oberbürgermeister Dr. Thomas Nitzsche überreichte allen Eingebürgerten eine Jena-Tasse und Süßigkeiten für die Kinder.

Rabia Yüksel sprach aus Sicht einer Eingebürgerten.