Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I strongly object to the proposal to extend the naturalisation period from 5 to 10 years.

Integration impact
Naturalisation is a powerful incentive for integration. The possibility of acquiring citizenship after 5 years motivates newcomers to learn Dutch, work, and participate fully in society. Extending this to 10 years weakens that motivation and risks delaying integration rather than strengthening it.

Exclusion from rights
Citizenship grants essential rights such as voting and equal access to certain jobs. Doubling the waiting period means tens of thousands of legal residents will be excluded from full participation for many more years. In 2023 alone, about 48,000 people naturalised; under the new rule, all would have faced an unnecessary delay.

European and international standards
The current 5-year term is in line with international norms. Many EU countries apply 5 to 7 years. A 10-year requirement would make the Netherlands one of the strictest countries in Europe and raises concerns about proportionality and compliance with international agreements that call for accessible naturalisation of long-term residents.

Uncertainty and inequality
Many residents already build stable lives within 5 years, contributing through work, taxes, and community engagement. Delaying naturalisation undermines their sense of belonging and prolongs unequal legal status for families and children.

Administrative burden
The IND and municipalities are already handling tens of thousands of applications annually. Extending the period will increase monitoring requirements and add unnecessary complexity, further straining administrative capacity.

Conclusion
This proposal is disproportionate and counterproductive. It discourages integration, delays equal rights, and increases bureaucratic burden. I urge the government to maintain the current 5-year requirement, possibly combined with clear integration criteria, rather than doubling the waiting period.