New Zealanders in Australia could soon get more rights and a faster path to citizenship thanks to a “reset” in trans-Tasman relations†
On Friday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and new Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet in Sydney to discuss changes in the situation of New Zealanders in Australia. including ways to “streamline” New Zealanders’ access to Australian citizenship†
Why it matters
- New Zealanders in Australia do not automatically receive permanent residence or citizenship in Australia
- Instead, they are given an unprotected special category visa (SCV) upon arrival, which is essentially a temporary visa, meaning they cannot vote in an election or referendum, and have limited or no access to social security or social security. student loans. They also cannot join the Australian Defense Force or conduct ongoing work with the Australian Government.
- By contrast, all Australian citizens and permanent residents are automatically issued with a residence visa upon entry into New Zealand and can apply for permanent residence after having held a residence visa for an uninterrupted period of two years.
Getty Images
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed to provide options for better opportunities for citizens by Anzac Day 2023.
protagonists
- Ardern has long campaigned for better support for New Zealanders in Australia but made little progress with former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
- Relations between New Zealand and Australia have improved dramatically since Albanian, leader of Australia’s centre-left Labor Party, became prime minister in May.
The malfunction
- Both leaders agreed that no New Zealander or Australian should be made permanent “temporary” when it comes to residency in either country, and agreed to ensure viable pathways to citizenship.
- They agreed to identify options to provide citizens of both countries with better access to opportunities and benefits and enable more sustainable social and economic integration outcomes.
The history
- Before 2001, New Zealanders in Australia with SCV could access Social Security and obtain Australian citizenship, but in 2001 Australia amended citizenship laws for New Zealanders, making it more difficult for New Zealanders living in Australia to obtain dual citizenship. to get.
In other news
- Albanian also indicated that Australia plans to take a “common sense” approach for 501 deportees, particularly those with little or no connection to New Zealand.
- While Australia would continue to deport people “if appropriate”, Albanians signaled a significant shift in how the policy would be applied.
By the numbers
As of September 2019 there were a estimated 685,000 New Zealand citizens in Australia on SCVs.
What now?
They agreed to identify options for better opportunities for citizens by Anzac Day 2023.
Learn more
Stuff political editor Luke Malpass shares his take on why New Zealand-Australia’s relationship is on the rise†
Stuff’s three-part study Product of Australia points to the human toll of the previous Australian government’s harsh 501 policies.
Recent flood relief for New Zealanders living in Sydney was an early sign that a “fundamental change” was underway in the way the Australian government treats New Zealanders.