The Dutch cabinet has proposed giving certain status holders more time to complete their civic integration (inburgering). Minister Aartsen of Work and Participation outlined the plan in a letter to the House of Representatives. To qualify, status holders must work or have worked at least 28 hours per week. Those who meet the condition could receive up to three years longer to finish their integration, depending on their circumstances. A minimum of three consecutive months of employment is required. The proposal is not yet law and would need parliamentary approval.
What this means if you are learning Dutch or new in the Netherlands
If you are a status holder combining work with language learning, this plan could offer more flexibility. Working at least 28 hours per week may become the key to extra time for your integration exams and requirements. The three-month continuous employment rule means short or irregular work may not count, so stable employment matters. For newcomers, it is a reminder that work and integration are increasingly linked in Dutch policy. The plan is still a proposal, so current rules remain in force until it is finalised. Check with your municipality or the IND for your own situation.