Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my concern about the proposed amendment to the Kingdom Act on Dutch Citizenship, which would extend the naturalization period from five to ten years.

While I understand the intention behind this change, I find it deeply concerning that it would also affect immigrants who are already legally residing in the Netherlands, contributing to society, and building their lives here. These individuals arrived under the expectation that they could apply for citizenship after five years. Retrospectively changing this period undermines trust in legal certainty and risks discouraging integration.

Citizenship is not only a legal status but also a symbol of belonging and commitment to the Netherlands. Extending the waiting period may make immigrants feel less included, even as they actively participate in Dutch society, work, and pay taxes. I believe that encouraging integration and providing a clear, reliable path to citizenship strengthens social cohesion rather than delaying it.

I respectfully urge you to reconsider the retroactive application of this measure and to take into account the impact on those who have already invested their future in the Netherlands.