Germany’s debate over loyalty oaths and dual citizenship intensified on 19 November when Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt endorsed Berlin authorities for revoking the citizenship of a Syrian-born man who praised Hamas on social media shortly after being naturalised. Under a 2024 amendment to the Nationality Act, naturalised citizens can lose their German passport within ten years if they lied about their commitment to democratic values.
The case is the first high-profile application of the rule and comes amid public concern over pro-Hamas demonstrations following the militant group’s 2023 attack on Israel. Speaking in Berlin, Dobrindt said: “Anyone who acquires our passport and then tramples on the values it represents forfeits their right to be German.”
![Germany signals tougher line on naturalised extremists after Hamas supporter loses passport]()
Civil-rights groups caution that citizenship revocation risks creating a two-tier society and may deter integration, but polls show broad support for stricter measures. The government is also reviewing background-check procedures for naturalisation, including enhanced social-media screening and mandatory declarations recognising Germany’s historical responsibility to protect Jewish life.
For employers sponsoring permanent residence or naturalisation of international staff, the episode underscores the importance of compliance with the expanded loyalty criteria introduced last year. HR departments should brief assignees that extremist statements—even after passport issuance—can have severe consequences.
Legal scholars expect more revocation attempts, though courts will weigh evidence carefully. Meanwhile, the Bundestag’s interior committee plans hearings on whether to extend the ten-year revocation window to cover hate crimes committed abroad.
The case is the first high-profile application of the rule and comes amid public concern over pro-Hamas demonstrations following the militant group’s 2023 attack on Israel. Speaking in Berlin, Dobrindt said: “Anyone who acquires our passport and then tramples on the values it represents forfeits their right to be German.”
Civil-rights groups caution that citizenship revocation risks creating a two-tier society and may deter integration, but polls show broad support for stricter measures. The government is also reviewing background-check procedures for naturalisation, including enhanced social-media screening and mandatory declarations recognising Germany’s historical responsibility to protect Jewish life.
For employers sponsoring permanent residence or naturalisation of international staff, the episode underscores the importance of compliance with the expanded loyalty criteria introduced last year. HR departments should brief assignees that extremist statements—even after passport issuance—can have severe consequences.
Legal scholars expect more revocation attempts, though courts will weigh evidence carefully. Meanwhile, the Bundestag’s interior committee plans hearings on whether to extend the ten-year revocation window to cover hate crimes committed abroad.
