Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

We strongly oppose the proposed extension of the naturalisation period. Instead of strengthening integration or safeguarding Dutch society, this proposal will produce damaging economic, social, and demographic consequences
1. Delayed Integration
Citizenship provides stability, security, and a sense of belonging. Extending the naturalisation period risks leaving migrants in a prolonged state of legal and social limbo, discouraging them from fully committing to Dutch society. International and national studies consistently show that early access to citizenship facilitates faster integration in language, education, and social life.
2. Economic Costs and Impact on Skilled Migrants
• Highly Skilled Migrants (HSM visa holders) — who contribute to the Dutch economy through taxes, social security, and innovation — will be disproportionately affected. Extending their path to naturalisation is perceived as a form of punishment, despite their consistent contributions.
• Companies competing for international talent may find it harder to attract and retain skilled workers if the Netherlands offers a slower route to full citizenship.
• With the Netherlands facing an ageing population and increasing pension obligations, tax contributions from younger, working residents are crucial to sustaining the system. Migrants who pay into the system today effectively help fund the pensions of retired Dutch citizens. By discouraging or delaying their naturalisation, the Netherlands risks undermining one of the solutions to its demographic and fiscal challenges.
• Germany’s example is instructive: facing an ageing society and major shortages in skilled labour, it has chosen to relax and accelerate access to citizenship to attract and retain migrants. The Netherlands is moving in the opposite direction, despite similar demographic challenges.
• The Netherlands is primarily a service-based economy rather than a technological or manufacturing hub. This makes it even more reliant on attracting and retaining skilled professionals in finance, healthcare, logistics, and high-end services. A restrictive naturalisation policy will make it harder to compete with neighbouring countries that actively welcome skilled workers.
Citizenship is not a privilege to be withheld but a pathway to full participation and long-term stability. Extending the waiting time is counterproductive and risks undermining the very goals of Dutch nationality policy.