Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I strongly disagree with the proposal to increase the naturalisation period from 5 to 10 years.

Firstly, this measure risks delaying integration rather than strengthening it. When people know they can apply for citizenship after 5 years, they are motivated early on to invest in language learning, civic integration, and building ties with Dutch society. Extending the waiting period to 10 years will have the opposite effect: many will postpone learning Dutch or fulfilling integration requirements until much later, knowing that they cannot apply for naturalisation in the near future. This undermines the government’s stated goal of earlier and deeper integration.

Secondly, this change adds significant uncertainty for hard-working, law-abiding migrants who are already making long-term contributions to the Netherlands. Many knowledge migrants and other legal residents contribute to the Dutch economy, pay taxes, and integrate into their communities. For them, the prolonged wait will create insecurity about their future, delay their full participation in Dutch civic life, and may discourage them from fully committing to the Netherlands at all.

Rather than lengthening the naturalisation term, policy should focus on supporting earlier integration through accessible language courses, clear civic requirements, and stable pathways to citizenship. A fair and achievable timeframe provides motivation, stability, and fosters a stronger bond with Dutch society.