Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I strongly oppose the proposed extension of the Dutch naturalisation period from 5 years to 10 years. This change would significantly undermine the Netherlands’ appeal to highly skilled migrants and expats who are essential contributors to the economy and society.

As a kennismigrant, I came to the Netherlands with the intention of integrating, contributing, and building a life here. Like many others, I pay high taxes, rely none of the social benefits, and actively participate in the community. This proposal effectively punishes legal, self-sufficient, and highly skilled professionals by prolonging their uncertainty and withholding the rights that come with citizenship.

The notion that integration improves simply by increasing the waiting period is misguided. Integration is not a function of time, but of effort, opportunity, and mutual support.

Ironically, this change could backfire by expanding a growing group of long-term residents without voting rights or a full sense of belonging. It does nothing to increase integration, but instead creates a divide between those who are deeply embedded in Dutch society and the rights they are allowed to access.

If the goal is better integration, more effective measures would include language support, community programs, or cultural participation initiatives, not an arbitrary doubling of the waiting period.

Moreover, it is hard to ignore that many expats, despite not being born or raised here, are often more integrated and invested in Dutch life than some Dutch citizens of immigrant descent who were born here but may be less engaged with the Dutch language or culture. Penalizing expats while doing nothing to address actual integration challenges is neither fair nor strategic.

Highly skilled migrants choose their destination countries carefully. If the Netherlands no longer offers a fair, timely path to citizenship, many will choose other countries that value their contributions and commitment. In the long term, this will undermine the country’s competitiveness, innovation capacity, and economic resilience.

For these reasons, I urge the government to maintain the current 5-year naturalisation period and focus on measures that truly support integration rather than create unnecessary obstacles for those already building the Netherlands’ future.