April 26, 2023
Australia relaxes citizenship barrier
Opportunities for whānau in Australia have been improved with the Albanese Government restoring rights revoked 22 years ago.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says the decision to provide a new direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders living in Australia will bring the two countries closer together.
He says they will make a real and meaningful difference to the lives of many New Zealanders and their children by giving those who decide to take up Australian citizenship similar rights to Australians living in New Zealand.
The pathway will apply to Kiwis on temporary, special category, visas who have arrived since 2001 and lived in Australia for four years and meet the standard criteria for citizenship including character checks and intention to reside in Australia.
Children born in Australia since 1 July 2022 to a New Zealand parent living there will also automatically be entitled to citizenship, making critical services available to them.
The rights, which rights come into effect on July 1, have no minimum income requirement or health requirement.
In the 2021 census 170,000 people in Australia identified as Māori.
Mr Hipkins’ weekend visit to his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese included an unveiling ceremony at a Brisbane cemetery of plaques for the previously unmarked graves of soldiers who served during the two World Wars, as well as a business reception marking the 40th anniversary of Closer Economic Relations.