Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

Subject: Response to Proposed Amendments to the Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap
I respectfully oppose the proposed extension of the naturalization term from five to ten years and the potential increase in the language requirement from A2 to B1. These changes risk undermining integration progress and disproportionately affect residents who have already invested in the current system.

The five-year term has proven sufficient for demonstrating commitment to Dutch society. It allows residents to build social ties, contribute economically, and complete civic integration. Extending this to ten years delays access to full participation and creates unnecessary barriers, especially for families raising Dutch-born children.

The A2 language level is a realistic and inclusive standard. It enables daily communication, civic engagement, and basic societal participation. Raising the requirement to B1 may exclude working families, older migrants, and those with limited access to formal education. Many residents have already passed A2 exams in good faith, expecting to qualify under current rules. Changing the standard mid-process undermines trust and discourages continued engagement.
Furthermore, in today’s mobile European Union, it is reasonable to recognize up to five years of legal residence in other EU member states as part of the naturalization timeline.

Many residents maintain strong ties to the Netherlands while working or studying elsewhere in the EU. This reflects modern mobility and strengthens European cohesion.
Finally, the proposal lacks clear transitional safeguards for those already on the path to citizenship. Without such provisions, thousands of residents may be unfairly penalized despite meeting current requirements.

The Dutch government should look more into stricter immigration and refugee rules and these should be based on evidence of good character, responsibility and merit from former country or country of migration. The Naturalization rules have been working well. Political pressures and undertones should not be placed above a working system. As the saying goes: If it isn’t broke, why fix it?”

I urge the government to maintain the five-year term and A2 language level, and to consider EU-wide residence as part of the naturalization period. These changes would support fairness, inclusion, and effective integration.

Respectfully submitted,
Enunwa Uzochikwa Chiazor
Resident of the Netherlands
Weert