Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I wish to express my opposition to the proposed extension of the general naturalization term from five to ten years.

Many expats who come to the Netherlands invest significant amounts of time, effort, and personal resources to integrate into Dutch society. They attend Dutch lessons, study hard, and undergo examinations at A1 and A2 levels, with the understanding that these efforts will enable them to apply for Dutch citizenship after five years of lawful residence. To now double this requirement is not only unfair in practice, but also raises moral concerns.

Extending the naturalization term creates uncertainty and undermines trust in government policy. People who have already made sacrifices—social, financial, and professional—on the basis of the current rules will feel punished by a sudden change. This risks discouraging integration rather than encouraging it, as the goalposts are being moved further away just as people are striving to reach them.

Moreover, the proposal does not recognize the deep contributions expats make to the Netherlands, both economically and socially. Many are long-term tax contributors, professionals filling shortages in key sectors, and parents raising children who are growing up Dutch. To require them to wait ten years before they can feel fully included in the society they are already helping to sustain is disproportionate and disheartening.

On a moral basis, fairness must play a role in policy decisions. It is neither reasonable nor just to demand a decade-long wait for full inclusion, especially when individuals have already demonstrated their commitment by integrating, learning the language, and building their lives in the Netherlands.

I urge the government to reconsider this proposal. Maintaining the five-year naturalization term strikes a much fairer balance between ensuring integration and recognizing the efforts expats already make to contribute meaningfully to Dutch society.