Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I am writing to express my regret and disappointment regarding the proposed bill to extend the general naturalization term from five to ten years and to remove or restrict several existing exceptions under the Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap (RWN).
I have certain questions and constructive suggestions for this proposal
- Why extend the neutralization time to 10 years? If integration is the concern, then why not increase the language level? Integrating in the society and knowing the culture, 5 years is more than enough for that, the only thing I see is people not taking interest in learning the language because they can survive in the Netherlands without learning Dutch and such knowing English.
- If the extension is really necessary, they also consider extending the 30% ruling to 10 years in a pro rata basis.
- Try to come up with an exception clause for Long-term legal residents with continuous employment, education, or community engagement, which have actually contributed to the Dutch society.

As a long-term resident who has abided by the law, integrated into Dutch society, and prepared to apply for citizenship under the current five-year framework, this proposal would significantly and unfairly delay my full participation in civic life. It is disheartening to see the path to belonging move further away just as I reach the threshold. The change would affect my family’s stability, our planning for education and careers, and our sense of security and inclusion in the Netherlands.
I respectfully ask the government to withdraw or substantially revise the proposal. Maintaining the five-year term—or, at the very least, ensuring robust exceptions and transitional protection—would better balance integrity with fairness, uphold legal certainty, and support the integration and commitment of those who have made the Netherlands their home.

Thank you for considering this response.

Yours faithfully,
A long-term resident of The Netherlands