Luxembourg Socialists To Oppose Nationality Law Changes

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

04 July 2001

The LSAP publicly declared its intention to vote against the Luxembourg government's proposals on nationality laws, it was revealed recently. The socialist party says that the government is trying to appease foreign pressure groups, while at the same time trying to convince Luxembourgers that they are taking a cautious approach to national identity.

The new proposals include compulsory lessons in Luxembourgish for those applicants who do not already speak the language, but also a relaxation in the level of qualification needed to obtain residence. Currently, residence qualifications are quite strict, due to the country's size, high standard of living, and limited resources,and any stay for the purposes of employment or renumerated activity requires the advance issue of a work permit by the Ministry of Labor. Any stay of more than 90 days within a six month period will also require the advance issue of a residence permit from the Ministry of Justice.

The vote, which takes place today, has been under fire from all sides, and while the LSAP feel that the government is not being sufficiently protective of the country's national identity and economy, many feel that they are being overly prescriptive in demanding that incoming applicants learn Luxembourgish, as the majority of residents speak French, English and German as well. There has also been criticism of the government's refusal to discuss dual nationality as a possibility for incoming immigrants.

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