Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I would like to express my strong concern regarding the proposal to extend the naturalization period beyond the current five years.

Such a change would represent a "breach of trust" for many residents who made the Netherlands their home based on the existing legal framework. When individuals decide to build their lives here — taking up employment, integrating into society, learning the language, and contributing to the economy — they do so with a clear understanding of the five-year pathway to citizenship. To change this retrospectively undermines the sense of reliability and fairness that the Dutch legal system is rightly known for.

The five-year period is already a reasonable and well-balanced timeframe that allows individuals to demonstrate commitment and integration, while still offering a realistic and motivating prospect of full participation in Dutch civic life. Extending it further, especially to ten years, would create uncertainty and discouragement among long-term residents who are already fully invested in Dutch society.

Moreover, delaying naturalization does not necessarily enhance integration — in many cases, it can have the opposite effect. Citizenship fosters a stronger sense of belonging, stability, and shared responsibility. People who feel recognized as full members of society are more likely to engage positively in their communities, invest long-term, and contribute actively to Dutch civic and economic life.

For these reasons, I respectfully urge the government to maintain the current five-year requirement for naturalization. Doing so upholds trust in public institutions, supports integration, and reaffirms the Netherlands’ commitment to fairness, predictability, and social cohesion.