Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

As a highly skilled migrant living in the Netherlands for the past three years, I find it deeply unfair and frankly ridiculous that the government is proposing to extend the naturalization period from five to ten years — and to apply this change retroactively, even to those who have already built their lives here and have been patiently waiting to integrate fully into Dutch society.

We live peacefully, pay taxes, contribute to the Dutch economy, and respect the country’s laws and culture. Many of us came here with the belief that the Netherlands values fairness, inclusion, and stability — principles that now seem to be undermined by this sudden and unnecessary change.

Extending the path to citizenship to ten years is not just a bureaucratic adjustment; it is a step backward in encouraging integration and long-term commitment to the Netherlands. Citizenship provides stability and belonging, especially for skilled migrants who contribute daily to innovation, economic growth, and community life. Making this path harder sends a discouraging message to those who chose the Netherlands in good faith, trusting its openness and reliability.

This proposal risks alienating the very people who help make the Dutch economy strong and globally competitive. Highly skilled professionals already face numerous challenges in relocation and integration. Punishing them with moving goalposts after years of contribution is not only unjust but also counterproductive to the country’s long-term interests.

I strongly urge the government to reconsider this proposal and maintain the current five-year term for naturalization. At the very least, those already residing in the Netherlands under existing conditions should not be affected retroactively. Policy changes of this magnitude must honor fairness, trust, and the social contract between the state and its residents.