Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

Aan de Tweede Kamer,

Ik wilde deze brief graag in het Nederlands schrijven. Maar mijn Nederlands is nog niet goed genoeg. Ik leer nu de taal en ik vind dat leuk. Ik hoop dat ik over twee jaar brieven zoals deze in het Nederlands kan schrijven, als ik mijn mening wil geven over belangrijke onderwerpen.

As a highly skilled migrant who has been living and working in the Netherlands for several years, I write this letter out of civic responsibility and a strong belief in democracy. In a democratic society, every voice matters, and it is both a right and a duty to share one’s perspective on decisions shaping the country’s future.

I am concerned about the proposal to extend the Dutch citizenship period from 5 to 10 years. While I understand the intent, I believe it would have negative consequences — not only for migrants like myself, but for the Netherlands itself.

1. Weaker sense of belonging and slower integration
Belonging is key to successful integration. The earlier a migrant feels part of a country, the more motivated they are to learn the language, participate in society, and embrace its values. Extending naturalization to 10 years delays belonging and weakens integration.

2. Higher risk of losing capable migrants
Refugees have no alternative options. But skilled migrants, who the Netherlands needs most, can choose other countries. If citizenship takes 10 years, many will leave for countries that welcome them faster. This risks losing the people who contribute most to the country’s future.

3. Damage to the Netherlands’ competitive position in Europe
Countries compete to attract talent. Making naturalization harder makes the Netherlands less attractive, harming the labor market, innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term growth.

Conclusion
This policy does not serve the national interest. It does not reduce forced migration, nor solve integration challenges. Instead, it drives away highly skilled, hardworking migrants willing to invest their futures here.

For these reasons, I strongly ask you to maintain the current 5-year naturalization period. This is the best path for integration, the Dutch economy, and society as a whole.

With respect and responsibility,