Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

Thank you for the opportunity to share my views on the proposed changes to the RWN. I am writing as an individual who has made the Netherlands my home and who hopes to become part of Dutch society in the fullest sense.
I am concerned about the plan to extend the naturalization period from five to ten years. Five years already represents a long and meaningful commitment to the Netherlands. Doubling this period feels excessive and risks sending the message that even after years of contributing, paying taxes, and integrating, people are still not considered ready to belong. For those of us who are committed to building our lives here, citizenship is not only a legal step but also an emotional one—it brings security, stability, and a stronger sense of belonging. Waiting ten years delays this unnecessarily.

I also worry about the removal of exceptions for groups like refugees, stateless persons, and spouses of Dutch citizens. These exceptions recognize very real human situations. Refugees and stateless persons have no other country to turn to, and families with Dutch partners or children benefit from stability through shared citizenship. Making them wait ten years seems unfair and creates extra barriers to integration and family life.

If the goal is stronger integration, there are better ways to achieve this than by doubling the waiting period. Supporting people with language, education, and community participation is more effective than making them wait longer. In my view, people who are already integrated and contributing should be encouraged, not discouraged.

I respect the intention behind this proposal, but I believe the ten-year requirement is too long and will have the opposite effect of what is intended. It risks creating distance rather than connection. I ask the government to reconsider this extension and to keep the exceptions for vulnerable groups and families.