Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I strongly oppose the proposal to extend the naturalisation period from 5 years to 10 years. This measure is unfair and discouraging, especially for non-EU students and highly skilled migrants who already contribute significantly to Dutch society.

Non-EU students pay extremely high tuition fees, often from €10,000–€22,000 per year, on top of living expenses. They invest heavily in the Netherlands with the expectation of being able to build their future here. After graduation, many of them join the Dutch workforce, fill skill shortages, pay taxes, and actively participate in the community. Extending the naturalisation period to 10 years undermines their life plans, creates insecurity, and makes the Netherlands less attractive compared to other countries such as Germany or Canada for highly skilled people.

At the same time, the Netherlands accepts large numbers of asylum seekers who often do not participate in education or employment for many years, while some of them cause harm and danger, yet they are granted access to housing and social benefits. It is deeply unjust that international students and highly skilled workers, who directly contribute to the Dutch economy and society, are the ones being punished with longer waiting times for citizenship.

Instead of blindly adopting such measures, the government should reconsider its policies and make a clear distinction: reward those who invest in the Netherlands through study and work, and ensure fair but strict policies towards those who do not contribute and make society unsafe.

I urge the government not to adopt this proposal, but instead to create policies that encourage integration and reward the contributions of international students and workers, rather than delaying their path to equal participation in society.