Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

The proposal to extend the naturalisation period from five to ten years would harm more than help both migrants and Dutch society. Supporters claim it will strengthen integration and reduce migration pressures, but there is little evidence for this, and the change would mostly affect people who are already well integrated and contributing to the country.
For many non-EU residents, citizenship means long-term stability, equal rights, and belonging in the place where they study, work, and pay taxes. Among them, non-EU students and highly skilled migrants would be the most affected. They make up a smaller share of the overall migrant population, compared to EU and family migrants, yet they are among the most economically valuable.
Recent data from the Dutch SOPEMI 2024 and EMN 2023 reports show that most new arrivals come from within the EU, while non-EU students and workers represent a smaller proportion of inflows. Extending the naturalisation period would therefore have little effect on overall migration but would strongly impact these educated and productive residents.
Highly skilled and educated migrants perform well in employment and integration. This extension does not solve an existing problem; it only creates new barriers for those already contributing to society.
There are also likely economic consequences. Non-EU students pay far higher tuition fees than EU students, and highly skilled migrants fill crucial roles in sectors such as technology, research, and engineering. A longer, more uncertain route to citizenship could make the Netherlands less attractive for future students and professionals, reducing foreign investment and talent in industries already facing shortages.
Beyond economics, there are serious personal and social impacts. Even those with stable jobs and residence would face prolonged insecurity and unequal rights for twice as long, despite contributing equally. Many people have built their lives here based on the current five-year rule. Extending it mid-way would undermine trust and stability, increasing stress and making integration harder, not easier.
This proposal is not backed by evidence that it will improve integration or reduce migration pressures. Instead, it risks discouraging those who bring knowledge and economic growth. The Netherlands has long benefited from openness and opportunity; delaying citizenship sends the opposite message. A fair migration policy should promote inclusion and stability, not restriction.