December 23rd, 2024
In a historic decision, Australia has provided a new direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders living in the country, marking a significant improvement in their rights.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced the development, stating that the decision will bring the two countries closer together and benefit thousands of Kiwis living in Australia, a government media release said today.
Australian Prime Minister Albanese made the announcement in the 50th anniversary year of the trans-Tasman travel arrangement, which allows citizens of each country to live and work in the other.
Hipkins said, “This is the biggest improvement in the rights of New Zealanders living in Australia in a generation and restores most of the rights Kiwis had in Australia before they were revoked in 2001.”
Hipkins went on to explain the importance of the new policy, stating, “Successive New Zealand Prime Ministers have advocated for this change for two decades. It’s pleasing that the close relationship between leaders of two like-minded governments was instrumental in reaching this outcome.”
He added that the announcement brings the nations closer together and underscores the strength of the bonds between the countries.
The new policy will apply to Kiwis on temporary, special category visas who have arrived since 2001 and lived in Australia for four years. It will also include children born in Australia since 1 July 2022 to a New Zealand parent living there, who will now be automatically entitled to citizenship.
Children born in Australia since 1 July 2022 to a New Zealand parent living there will also automatically be entitled to citizenship. This will make critical services available to them". Hipkins.
Hipkins said: “Children born in Australia since 1 July 2022 to a New Zealand parent living there will also automatically be entitled to citizenship. This will make critical services available to them.”
“Most of us know someone who’s moved across the Tasman. They work hard, pay taxes and deserve a fair go. These changes deliver that and reverse erosions that have taken place over 20 years,” Hipkins continued.
He also mentioned that Kiwis taking up Australian citizenship will still retain their New Zealand citizenship, drawing the countries closer together.
The Prime Ministers will celebrate the new policy at a citizenship ceremony in Brisbane tomorrow, followed by a community barbeque.
Hipkins acknowledged and thanked Prime Minister Albanese for his instrumental role in prioritising these improvements, saying, “I acknowledge and thank Prime Minister Albanese for his instrumental role in prioritising these improvements.”
The pathway to citizenship will come into effect on 1 July, 2023. It is set to be affordable, with a fee of A$490, and will have no minimum income or health requirement. This move will give Kiwis access to services and benefits once they become citizens and allow Kiwi children born in Australia to become citizens at birth.
Hipkins concluded that the new policy will make a real and meaningful difference to the lives of many New Zealanders and their children, ultimately fostering stronger ties between Australia and New Zealand.