Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

This is my first time participating in a public consultation. I came to the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant from a country where the government never truly listens to its people. Key decisions there are made regardless of the will of the population. I sincerely hope that in the Netherlands the process is different, and that the opinions collected here genuinely influence the final decision.

As someone who has been living in the Netherlands for more than three years, working here, paying taxes, and renting an expensive apartment (thus contributing both to the state and to the housing market), I was looking forward to the possibility of applying for Dutch citizenship after five years. Despite the high cost of living, I enjoy life in the Netherlands. I appreciate the way laws are implemented, I like being part of society, and I am proud to contribute to its well-being. Since the Netherlands is where I live, work, and spend my money, I want to continue to be part of this country and community. This is why, in addition to working, I study the Dutch language and learn about Dutch culture.

However, if the naturalisation period is extended from 5 to 10 years, this could discourage many highly skilled migrants. People naturally value stability, and stability is found when one can become a full member of society - a citizen. If this path becomes longer and less attainable, many may choose to leave the country. This would mean the Netherlands losing significant tax contributions and it could negatively affect the rental housing market as well, since in practice only highly skilled migrants are able to afford monthly rents of €2,500-3,000 while also paying substantial taxes.

In my view, instead of creating barriers that may accelerate the outflow of highly skilled migrants, the government should consider ways to attract and retain them. Of course, this is only my personal opinion, but I believe that extending the naturalisation period to 10 years would have negative consequences for the Dutch economy and for society as a whole, by driving away people who genuinely bring value.

I hope that someone reads this and takes it into consideration.