Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

Hi I'm agree completely with this:

The government wants to extend the naturalization period from 5 to 10 years. This places the Netherlands at the strictest end of the scale in Europe, along with countries like Austria and Italy, while neighboring countries like Germany have actually gone to 5 years.

Why this is a bad idea:

1. International competition – In the war for talent, speed is key. While others offer citizenship more quickly, the Netherlands makes itself less attractive to highly educated individuals and workers.


2. Delayed integration effects – Dutch register research shows a clear "citizenship premium": after naturalization, income, employment, and the chance of homeownership increase, especially among vulnerable groups. Those who have to wait 10 years miss out on these benefits and remain in a dependent position for longer.


3. Democratic participation – Citizenship opens up access to national political rights. A longer term creates a growing group of residents who pay taxes for years but have no voice. This undermines trust and cohesion.


4. Demography and the labor market – The Netherlands is aging rapidly and faces structural labor shortages. In such a context, it is illogical to delay the integration and bonding of workers and families.


5. More bureaucracy, little gain – Permanent residency is already possible after 5 years. By allowing naturalization only after 10 years, a large group of “semi-permanent” non-citizens is created, increasing the administrative burden without demonstrably benefiting integration.


6. Fewer humane exceptions – The period is also extended for spouses, partners, and acknowledged children. This affects mixed families and limits early integration, while it is known that rapid access actually promotes language acquisition and bonding.


7. Risks for the Kingdom and municipalities – As a Kingdom Act, the measure also applies in the Caribbean Netherlands. This could exacerbate existing tensions surrounding mobility and local services.



Conclusion

The idea that waiting longer creates a “lasting bond” is not supported by research. Rights and participation actually strengthen bonding and integration. The proposal delays economic, social, and political gains, makes the Netherlands less attractive in Europe, and increases bureaucracy.