Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I am an international professional living and working in the Netherlands. Like many skilled migrants, I chose this country for its welcoming approach to global talent and its commitment to innovation and diversity.
I am writing to express serious concerns about the proposed extension of the residency requirement for citizenship from five to ten years.

Many skilled migrants, including myself, have built our lives here based on the current five-year pathway. We have made significant commitments: purchasing homes, establishing businesses, and integrating deeply into Dutch society. Doubling this timeline retroactively undermines the trust and stability that attracted us here in the first place.

At a time when countries worldwide compete for international talent, this change risks positioning the Netherlands unfavorably. A ten-year requirement is significantly longer than many other developed nations offer, potentially driving skilled professionals to other destinations where their contributions are valued with clearer, more achievable pathways to belonging.

Five years already represents substantial commitment and integration. Those who reach this milestone have typically learned Dutch, contributed economically through taxes and innovation, and woven themselves into their communities. Extending this period doesn't enhance integration: it simply delays recognition of it.

I respectfully urge the government to maintain the current five-year pathway. Predictable, balanced immigration policy is essential to preserving the Netherlands' reputation as a forward-thinking nation that values the contributions of its international community.