Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I have recently passed the “Knowledge of Dutch Society” module of the inburgering exam. Through this process, I have learned about the values that form the foundation of Dutch society, among them, the importance of taking initiative rather than remaining passive in both everyday matters and more complex societal issues. I deeply appreciate and identify with this principle.

However, I find the proposed motion to extend the residence requirement for naturalization from five to ten years to be in direct conflict with that very value. The two main challenges on the path to naturalization are passing the inburgering exam and fulfilling the minimum residence period. For those who have already obtained permanent residence, the first challenge has been overcome. What remains is simply to wait passively for a number of additional years.

The motion states that its goal is to promote further integration. Yet, it is unclear how merely extending the waiting period would achieve this. Integration is driven by active participation, engagement, and mutual exchange, not by prolonged passivity. Extending the residence requirement risks demotivating individuals who are already committed to integrating, while doing little to encourage those who are not.

True integration stems from opportunities to participate in Dutch life, socially, culturally, and professionally, not from longer waiting times. This motion, therefore, seems counterproductive to the values it aims to uphold.