Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I would like to express my objection to the proposed extension of the naturalisation period from 5 years to 10 years.

Many international students, including myself, came to the Netherlands with the motivation and expectation that after 5 years of living, studying, and contributing here, we would be eligible to apply for Dutch citizenship. Extending this period to 10 years drastically changes the conditions under which we made our life decisions. This would not only discourage those who are already in the Netherlands, but also demotivate talented students and professionals abroad from choosing the Netherlands as their future home.

The Netherlands has long been seen as an attractive and welcoming destination for international talent. This proposed law risks damaging that reputation and may reduce the inflow of skilled migrants, students, and knowledge workers.

At the very least, I strongly believe that this change should not apply retroactively to people who have already moved to the Netherlands under the current 5-year rule. It would be unfair and demoralising to suddenly change the rules for those who are already building their future here.

I kindly urge the government to reconsider this proposal or, at minimum, to exempt current residents from its effect.