Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I have been living in the Netherlands since 2024 as a highly skilled migrant working as an engineer. In this short time, I have started learning Dutch, developed friendships with Dutch colleagues and neighbors, and gradually started integrating into Dutch society. I am writing to express my concerns about the proposal to extend the naturalisation period from 5 years to 10 years. Five years is already a demanding but fair requirement. The current system provides a clear and motivating timeframe for migrants to invest in language learning, social integration, and professional contribution. Extending this period to 10 years would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty and discourage active participation. It would harm the Netherlands' international competitiveness. Countries compete for global talent. Highly skilled migrants and researchers often choose the Netherlands for its openness and structured integration path. If the timeframe is doubled, many may instead choose countries that offer quicker stability and security. This would reduce the Netherlands' attractiveness as a hub for innovation, knowledge, and investment. This change creates a mutual loss. Migrants would lose motivation to integrate if the prospect of belonging is pushed too far away. At the same time, Dutch society would lose valuable contributions from international professionals who may leave or never come at all. This is not just a setback for individuals—it is a structural disadvantage for the Netherlands. Personal impact. I am committed to building my life in the Netherlands, learning the language, and contributing to society. However, extending the naturalization period would delay my sense of belonging and security. This would affect my long-term decisions, including whether to stay here or seek opportunities elsewhere. If the law proceeds, transitional measures are essential. At least, those who have already nearly completed the current 5-year requirement should not be penalised by a sudden change. A fair transitional period would recognize the investment migrants have already made in their integration. In conclusion, keeping the naturalization period at 5 years is in the best interest of both migrants and Dutch society. Extending it to 10 years risks turning integration into discouragement, and opportunity into loss. Thank you for considering my response.