Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I strongly object to the proposed extension of the naturalisation period from 5 to 10 years. This change would unfairly delay the integration and equal participation of long-term residents in Dutch society. Five years is already a reasonable period to demonstrate commitment and integration. Doubling this time would create unnecessary barriers and feelings of exclusion.

In addition, I urge the government to include clear transitional provisions (overgangsrecht). It would be deeply unfair if people who arrived in the Netherlands under the current 5-year rule? and who have already invested significant effort in learning the Dutch language, understanding Dutch culture, and preparing for integration, were suddenly forced to wait twice as long. These individuals made life plans, studied, and worked hard with the legitimate expectation that they would be eligible for naturalisation after 5 years. Changing the rules without protecting them undermines trust in Dutch institutions and damages the principle of legal certainty.

Even if the law is passed, it should not apply retroactively to those already living in the Netherlands under the existing 5-year regime. Fairness and respect for integration efforts demand that these residents be judged according to the rules that were in force when they began their journey.