Germany plans controversial tough new citizenship tests 05/05/2006 00:00

5 May 2006

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - Germany is planning to introduce strict new tests for those seeking citizenship with the nation's Interior Ministers agreeing Friday to launch language tests and naturalization courses for those applying to become citizens.

"In the end, the successful applicant will be examined," said the Bavarian Interior Minister Guenther Beckstein following a meeting with his state and federal colleagues in the German city of Garmisch- Partenkirchen.

The decision to introduce the new tests follow weeks of controversy and debate in Germany about immigration along with calls for steps to ensure that those from other nations wanting to live in the country to be better integrated into German society.

As part of the new naturalization process, applicants are to be tested on their basic civic knowledge as well as the values and principles laid out in the country's constitution.

The details of the concept, together with a booklet and the standards for the assessment are to be drawn up by Germany's office for migration and refugees.

The naturalization courses are to financed by the applicants themselves.

DPA

Subject: German news