Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I am strongly opposed to the proposed extension of the naturalization period from five to ten years and to the parallel tightening of language requirements. The proposal will cause real harm to people and families who are already legally living, working and investing in the Netherlands, and to children who are already integrated in Dutch society.

Many high-skilled specialists and their family members have chosen to live and work in the Netherlands in part because of the existing, clear pathway to citizenship after five years. These individuals already make substantial contributions to the Dutch economy through high tax payments, entrepreneurial activity and by strengthening key sectors. Increasing the waiting period risks creating a two-tier population: people who have already committed their careers and families here but who may reconsider their long-term residence if the path to citizenship is substantially delayed. This would undermine investment, hiring plans and the Netherlands’ attractiveness in a highly competitive international labor market.

There are children who were raised and educated in the Netherlands, attend Dutch schools and already speak Dutch fluently. Extending the naturalization period will postpone their access to full civic rights and may create situations of practical inequality compared with their Dutch peers - for example when certain rights, public positions, or long-term protections are linked to nationality.