Eritrean family sues Märkischer Kreis over denied German citizenship

An Eritrean father and his two children from Plettenberg have filed a lawsuit against the Märkischer Kreis after their application for German citizenship was rejected. Despite meeting standard requirements—including long-term residency, fluency in German, employment, and passing the naturalization test—the local immigration authority denied the request due to difficulties in obtaining necessary Eritrean documentation.

The family, which has been integrated into German society since 2014, is now seeking a legal resolution through the Administrative Court of Arnsberg to secure their German passports.