Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposal to extend the naturalization period from five to ten years. While I understand and appreciate the government’s aim of promoting stronger integration, I fear that this measure may not achieve its intended outcome.
If individuals who have lived, worked, and contributed to Dutch society for five years are still not considered sufficiently integrated, this raises important questions about the effectiveness of existing integration policies. Extending the waiting period alone does not guarantee deeper integration. I would therefore respectfully ask: what concrete steps will be taken during these additional years to support individuals in building stronger connections to society? Without such measures, the proposed extension risks functioning as a delay rather than a solution.
This change also has wider implications. The Netherlands has long benefited from attracting people who choose to build their futures here—working, studying, raising families, and contributing to communities. However, frequent adjustments to rules on residency and nationality create uncertainty. If the path to citizenship appears unstable or unpredictable, individuals may reconsider their long-term commitment to the Netherlands and instead look to other countries that are taking more welcoming approaches.
Ultimately, this proposal is not only about access to nationality, but also about the message it conveys. If the naturalization period is doubled today, how can people be confident it will not be extended to fifteen or twenty years in the future? For those seeking to build stable lives here, consistency and trust in policy are essential.
For these reasons, I would urge careful reconsideration of the proposed extension. A truly effective integration policy should focus on providing support and fostering belonging, rather than lengthening the waiting period.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.