Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

Arguments against the extension

Legal certainty and trust in the government.
An extension to ten years means that people will face prolonged uncertainty about their future. This undermines trust in the government and the Dutch legal system, while certainty and clarity are essential for integration and social participation.

Integration is discouraged.
Many have already met all the integration requirements: they speak the language, have jobs, pay taxes, and actively participate in society. Doubling the deadline creates the feeling that all these efforts are not recognized, which is discouraging and actually hinders integration.

Economic and social consequences:
During this extended period, people lack full citizenship and important rights, such as the right to vote and access to certain jobs. This limits their contribution to society and can lead to economic and social disadvantages, both for the individuals themselves and for society as a whole.

Unfair for vulnerable groups
. For refugees, families with young children, and people in vulnerable situations, a longer waiting period places additional burdens. These include barriers to employment, education, housing, and family reunification. This increases the risk of social exclusion.

International standards and human rights:
An unnecessary extension of the naturalization period may conflict with international obligations the Netherlands has entered into. The right to a fair and effective trial requires reasonable time limits. A ten-year wait is disproportionate.

Little effect, a lot of bureaucracy.
Extending the deadline seems largely symbolic, with no clear evidence that it prevents abuse. It primarily leads to additional bureaucracy and delays for people who are demonstrably integrated.

Conclusion and request

I urge you:

to maintain the current five-year term, including existing exceptions;

to develop policies that reward successful integration rather than hinder it;

to provide full transparency about the rationale for this bill and the supposed problems that a longer-term proposal is supposed to solve;

to consider addressing any abuses in a targeted manner through checks or additional integration conditions, rather than a general extension that affects everyone.

Kind regards,
Anand Sharma
Aalsmeer