Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

The proposal to extend the naturalization period in the Netherlands from five to ten years risks doing more harm than good. It would slow down integration, weaken social cohesion, and send the wrong signal about what kind of country the Netherlands wants to be. Instead of helping people settle, it would keep thousands of long-term residents in limbo—people who already live, work, and contribute every day.

Research shows that earlier access to citizenship leads to faster integration, better language skills, and stronger participation in the labor market. Most European countries, including Belgium, France, and Germany, require between five and eight years for naturalization. Extending the Dutch period to ten would make it one of the strictest in Europe. It wouldn’t reduce migration—only delay inclusion and increase bureaucracy. A better approach is to strengthen integration efforts in the first five years through language programs, education, and community initiatives that encourage participation and belonging.

Legally, the proposal raises issues of fairness and proportionality. The Dutch Constitution guarantees equal treatment, and EU law promotes inclusion, not exclusion. Permanent residence is already granted after five years, so doubling the wait for citizenship lacks consistency and logic. Ten years is excessive by European standards and risks conflicting with international norms. The government should instead simplify procedures, ensure alignment between residency and citizenship requirements, and make the process more transparent and efficient.

Above all, this is about belonging. Citizenship represents trust and recognition. For people who have built their lives here, being told to wait a decade sends a damaging message: that their contributions are still not enough. It alienates residents and undermines Dutch values of fairness and openness. If the goal is a cohesive and confident society, the Netherlands should focus on inclusion—helping people integrate sooner, not later. True strength comes from trust, not delay.