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Chronicle 1972

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    • 16 October

      1972

      In the GDR, the "Law to Regulate Questions of Citizenship" comes into force. People who fled the GDR before 1 January 1972 lose their GDR citizenship, no longer face prosecution and are allowed to use transit routes and travel to the GDR for visits without risking arrest.

    • 17 October

      1972

      The GDR interior minister issues an "Order regarding Travel Regulations for GDR Citizens", under which GDR citizens below retirement age can be allowed to travel to West Germany or West Berlin in exceptional cases, for so-called "urgent family affairs".

      The reasons for travel for which permits can be issued are restricted to births, marriages, life-threatening illnesses and deaths of direct West German relatives; in 1973 this list is extended to include silver, gold, 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries.

      To receive a permit, it is necessary to have the written permission of one’s place of employment, as well as family members, particularly children, who have to remain in the GDR as hostages. Up to 1982, around 40,000 GDR citizens receive permission to visit their relatives in West Germany. Order issued by the GDR interior minister regarding travel regulations for GDR citizens, 17 October 1972 (in German) less
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