Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

Dear Sir/ Madam,

This letter registers a formal and serious objection to the proposed legislative amendment (Wet op het Nederlanderschap) which aims to double the continuous legal residency requirement for naturalization from five (5) years to ten (10) years. While we respect the intent to foster a "durable connection," we believe this extension is counterproductive to genuine integration and stability.

The current five-year period, coupled with the mandatory successful Inburgeringsexamen (civic integration) and demonstrated language proficiency, already serves as a rigorous standard for commitment. Extending this wait to a full decade does not guarantee better integration. Instead, it creates a prolonged period of second-class status, breeding alienation among long-term residents. Excluding committed individuals from the democratic process for ten years—the country they call home—diminishes their voice and undermines the government’s own goal of "full participation."

This proposal signals a lack of value for the long-term commitment of international talent. Doubling the naturalization period places the Netherlands among the least attractive countries in Western Europe for skilled labour and entrepreneurs seeking stability. Many residents have made crucial life and professional decisions based on the five-year rule; abruptly altering this requirement erodes trust in legal frameworks and creates unacceptable retrospective uncertainty. Furthermore, delaying citizenship for ten years also delays the proven positive impact that naturalization has on an immigrant’s economic output and labor market success.

We urge the Cabinet and Parliament to recognize that five years of legal residence, supported by successful integration and language certification, is a sufficient demonstration of commitment. We strongly recommend that you withdraw the proposal to extend the residency requirement and maintain the stable, current five-year period, thereby supporting the swift and genuine integration of all contributing residents.

We look forward to your careful consideration of this formal objection.

Yours sincerely,
M. Ahmadabadi