Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

The proposal to extend the Dutch naturalisation period from five to ten years risks undermining both public trust and the Netherlands’ reputation as an open and forward-looking country. While ensuring a “durable connection” to society is a legitimate objective, doubling the required residency period is unnecessary and unsupported by evidence.
Current legislation already provides tailored pathways for those who have demonstrably integrated, including EU Blue Card holders and highly skilled migrants. If the proposed change is nevertheless adopted, it should not apply retroactively to individuals who are already residing in the Netherlands under the existing five-year expectation, nor to EU Blue Card holders whose EU-recognised status already reflects long-term commitment and contribution.
People and families have built their lives here — purchasing homes, establishing careers, investing, and integrating — based on the clear framework of a five-year path to citizenship. Changing these rules mid-way would be unjust and would erode confidence in the stability of Dutch governance.
This extension would also have a negative impact on companies and the broader economy. Predictable routes to citizenship are a key factor in attracting and retaining international talent. Lengthening the process without clear benefit risks discouraging highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs from choosing the Netherlands, ultimately weakening the country’s competitiveness.
Moreover, there are no studies showing that a ten-year requirement produces stronger integration or civic participation. On the contrary, citizenship is not merely symbolic — it grants the full rights and responsibilities that enable individuals to contribute more deeply to Dutch society, both economically and civically. Delaying access to it hinders, rather than strengthens, integration.
For these reasons, I urge policymakers to maintain the current five-year naturalisation period, explicitly exclude EU Blue Card holders from any extension, and guarantee that any change will not apply to those who have already made their lives in the Netherlands based on today’s rules.