Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I have been living and working in the Netherlands for 3 years on a highly skilled migrant visa. When I moved here, I did so under the rules that were in place at the time, including the possibility to apply for naturalisation after 5 years. This was part of how I planned my life and career.

Changing the term now from 5 to 10 years has consequences that go far beyond individuals like me. Many people working in the tech industry (people who were invited here because the Netherlands needs their skill) are making long-term plans around integration and citizenship. If the rules change halfway, it creates uncertainty. Some of these people may choose to leave for other European countries where the path to citizenship is clearer and shorter. That would make the Netherlands less attractive for international talent, and could harm the tech sector and wider economy.

This change also risks damaging trust. People respect the Dutch government and society for being predictable and fair. If the rules are suddenly changed after people have already committed their lives here, it feels like the ground is shifting under their feet. That affects not only individuals, but also the reputation of the Netherlands as a reliable and welcoming country.

Permanent residence is not the same as nationality. Being Dutch means full participation (voting, access to certain jobs, and a real sense of belonging). Extending the wait to 10 years delays all of that and risks leaving people feeling excluded for too long.

My suggestion is that if the government decides to go forward with this change, there should be a transitional rule for people who already moved to the Netherlands under the expectation of the 5-year term. That would be more fair, protect the trust that migrants place in Dutch society, and help the Netherlands remain attractive for the skilled workers it needs.