Canberra to make it easier for Kiwis to become Australian citizens
More than 350,000 New Zealanders living in Australia will be eligible for Australian citizenship from July 1 under new rules waiving the need for them to apply first for permanent residency.
More than 350,000 New Zealanders living in Australia will be eligible for Australian citizenship from July 1 under new rules waiving the need for them to apply first for permanent residency.
The move marks a reversal from laws brought in under the Howard government in 2001 that forced New Zealanders entering Australia on to a special visa category allowing them to work but restricting them from entitlements including welfare benefits, access to student loans or housing.
The policy change, unveiled by Anthony Albanese on Saturday alongside New Zealand counterpart Chris Hipkins, will bring the rights of New Zealanders living in Australia more in line with Australians living in New Zealand, with the government saying the change is consistent with its ambition to build a fairer and more inclusive migration system.
Under the new rules, described by NZ Prime Minister Chris Hipkins as “historic,” New Zealanders will need to have lived in Australia for at least four years before they are eligible to become Australian citizens.
Mr Hipkins said the announcement was a “a blimmin’ good day for Kiwis living in Australia”.
“Successive New Zealand Prime Ministers have advocated for this change for over two decades, so it’s pleasing that the close relationship between our two countries — with likeminded governments has helped us to reach this outcome,” he said.
The NZ PM said the new policy would restore most of the rights Kiwis had in Australia before they were revoked in the 2001 change of legislation.
“This is the biggest improvement in the rights of New Zealanders living in Australia in a generation,” he said.
Mr Albanese said Australia and New Zealand had a “deep friendship” forged on common values and outlook, and that he looked forward to further strengthening bilateral ties between the nations.
“Australia and New Zealand have a deep friendship, which has been forged through our history, shared values and common outlook,” Mr Albanese said on Friday.
“As we mark the 50th anniversary of the trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, I look forward to strengthening our relationship.
“We know that many New Zealanders are here on a Special Category Visa while raising families, working and building their lives in Australia. So I am proud to offer the benefits that citizenship provides.”
The change comes after Mr Albanese signalled to former prime minister Jacinda Ardern that Australia would likely soften its policy to deport criminals to New Zealand.
Under a recently announced move, the Department of Home Affairs now considers the length of time a non-citizen criminal has spent in Australia before deciding to deport them, with Mr Albanese saying it was a “common sense approach” that would “bear in mind what a persons’ ties are to Australia when assessing these cases”.
Mr Hipkins will arrive in Australia on Saturday to mark 50 years of the trans-Tasman travel arrangement, with the trip marking his second visit across the ditch.
The New Zealand Prime Minister in February travelled to Canberra to meet Mr Albanese for an “introductory working lunch” after he unexpectedly took over from Ms Ardern following her snap retirement in January.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said the changes would strengthen Australia’s ties with its closest neighbour and ensure New Zealanders living in Australia could enjoy the benefits of citizenship.
“Australians and New Zealanders share a special bond and it’s important that we reflect that in the way we treat New Zealand citizens who choose to make Australia home,” Ms O’Neil said.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said it was “only fair” Australia’s closest and allies had the opportunity to become citizens.
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