Hamburg becomes first German state to screen public sector applicants for extremism
Hamburg has introduced mandatory intelligence screening for public sector job applicants to prevent extremists from entering civil service.
Hamburg has become the first German federal state to introduce mandatory background checks by domestic intelligence services for all prospective public servants. Under the new policy, candidates applying for positions as teachers, police officers, IT specialists, and municipal employees will be screened for extremist ties prior to being hired.
State authorities stated that the measure aims to prevent individuals who reject the free democratic order from working within the civil service. The background checks will be carried out by the state's Office for the Protection of the Constitution. The move comes amid heightened focus across Germany on safeguarding public institutions from extremist infiltration.
Sources: NOS.