On October 6, Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński outlined a draft to overhaul citizenship rules, announcing a proposed test and a ten‑year residency requirement amid criticism from the president’s aides.
Draft on Polish Citizenship Prepared
The Ministry of the Interior is drafting legislation regarding citizenship eligibility and procedures to align with stricter assimilation criteria.
Minister Announces Proposed Test and Discussions
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said the draft will introduce a citizenship test assessing assimilation and Polish language proficiency. He will discuss the changes with Karol Nawrocki.
Accusations of Misleading President’s Aides
Kierwiński criticized the president’s ministers, claiming they misled the president about the current practice of granting citizenship after three years—a practice that does not exist in Poland.
Critique of Ten‑Year Residency Extension
Extending minimum continuous residence from three to ten years was described as “simplifying the problem.” Kierwiński stressed that standard residency requirements are normally eight years.
Vice Minister Responds to Proposal
Vice‑Minister Maciej Duszczyk called the president’s proposal narrow, noting it applies only to a small group, while citizenship acquisition remains a complex process.
