Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I wish to express concern about the proposal to extend the naturalisation period from five to ten years. Although the text does not specifically address spouses or partners of Dutch citizens, the impact on these families will be significant.

Mixed-nationality couples already face a demanding path: strict income and residence requirements, integration exams, and long administrative procedures. Extending naturalisation to ten years prolongs uncertainty for families who are trying to build stable lives in the Netherlands. This creates pressure on both partners and may undermine integration rather than strengthen it.

Naturalisation provides essential stability: equal rights, long-term security, and full participation in society. A decade-long waiting period means that many individuals will remain dependent on residence permits for an unnecessarily long time. This can affect job opportunities, travel, housing and feeling welcome in society. A Dutch citizen wishing to live in their own country with their partner should not have to wait ten years before their family can enjoy equal rights.

The proposal also suggests removing or narrowing existing exceptions, such as for those married to or living with a Dutch partner. If these exceptions are removed, partners of Dutch citizens would face the same extended timeline, which places them at an unfair disadvantage compared to families in which both partners are Dutch.

Rather than encouraging integration, this extension risks discouraging it by delaying full inclusion. People integrate best when they feel accepted and secure. Many non-Dutch partners are already well-integrated within a few years; the proposed extension does not reflect this reality.

I kindly urge the government to reconsider this change, or at minimum to preserve exceptions for partners and spouses of Dutch citizens. Supporting family unity and timely access to citizenship strengthens both integration and Dutch society as a whole.