Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I would like to express my concerns regarding the proposed amendment to extend the general term for naturalization from five years to ten years.

Many individuals who migrated to the Netherlands under the current five-year framework—most of whom are highly skilled professionals, students, and other talented individuals contributing positively to the Dutch economy—will be directly and negatively affected by this change. These are people who have already invested several years of their lives in the Netherlands, who are well-integrated into Dutch society, and who see the possibility of naturalization as a key step in building their future here.

By changing the rules mid-way, after many have already built their lives here under the expectation of the existing five-year rule, this proposal risks discouraging them. It may even lead to some of these valuable contributors leaving the Netherlands, which would represent a loss for Dutch society and the economy.

While I understand the government’s aim to revise the naturalization process, I strongly urge policymakers to consider the negative consequences for those who are already in the Netherlands, have integrated into Dutch society, and have not yet applied for citizenship. For these individuals, the proposed extension creates uncertainty, disappointment, and unfair obstacles.

I respectfully suggest that, if the bill is adopted, transitional provisions be put in place to protect those who are already residing in the Netherlands under the current five-year expectation. This would ensure fairness, maintain trust, and prevent discouraging precisely the kind of people the Netherlands seeks to attract and retain.