Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I strongly oppose the proposal to extend the naturalization period in the Netherlands from 5 to 10 years. This change is unfair, unnecessary, and damaging — both for individuals who are trying to build a future here and for the country itself.

I have been living in the Netherlands for more than three years. I pay my taxes, follow the rules, learn the language, and do my best to integrate. Like many others, I came here to contribute — to work hard, to be part of society, and to make this country my home. But extending the naturalization period sends a very different message: that no matter how much effort we put in, it will never be enough.

This proposal shows how unstable and unpredictable the Dutch immigration system has become. Rules that affect people’s lives should be consistent and fair, not something that can suddenly change after years of commitment. When people feel that the rules can shift at any moment, it destroys trust. It creates deep uncertainty — and no one wants to live in uncertainty forever.

Highly skilled people, who the Netherlands depends on for innovation, growth, and taxes, will start to look elsewhere. Countries that value stability, fairness, and a clear path to citizenship will attract the very people the Netherlands needs most. This will hurt the Dutch economy and weaken its international competitiveness.

Extending the naturalization period to 10 years does not make integration stronger. It makes people feel stuck and unwelcome. It delays their sense of belonging and discourages them from fully investing their lives here.

The Netherlands has always been seen as a fair, open, and reasonable country. But decisions like this risk changing that image. People who are already doing their best to integrate will feel punished, not encouraged.

If the goal is to build a stronger and more united society, then fairness and trust must come first. Keeping the naturalization period at 5 years is not only fair — it is smart, humane, and good for the country’s future.