Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

Dear Sir/Madam,

As a skilled professional currently living and working in the Netherlands for more than 3 years, I would like to express my concerns regarding the proposal to extend the naturalization period from five to ten years.

This measure could have significant negative consequences for both Dutch society and the economy, including:

* Reduced attractiveness for international talent,
* Demotivation and potential departure of skilled workers already in the country,
* Decline in long-term investment and tax revenues,
* And weakened social cohesion and sense of belonging.

**It is particularly important that such a law should not apply retroactively.** Many professionals who came to the Netherlands years ago made life plans based on the current legal framework. Changing the rules backwards would be perceived as unfair and would undermine trust in the Dutch legal and political system. Therefore, if implemented, this policy should only apply from the date of adoption onward, and not affect those who entered the Netherlands earlier.

### Suggested Alternatives

Instead of lengthening the process, the government could:

* Strengthen integration requirements (language, civic tests, cultural knowledge),
* Introduce a points-based system rewarding economic and social participation,
* And provide a faster track for highly skilled workers and university graduates in the Netherlands.

In conclusion, extending the naturalization period will not foster stronger cohesion; instead, it risks driving away skilled professionals, reducing investment, and harming the Netherlands’ international competitiveness. Moreover, applying this change retroactively would deeply damage trust in Dutch law and governance.

Respectfully,