New citizenship pathway for New Zealanders in Australia
01 May 2023
Mina Amso - Pacific Media Network
For over 20 years, New Zealanders living in Australia have been able to stay on a Special Category Visa, allowing them to remain in the country for an indefinite period. However, obtaining permanent residency and citizenship has been difficult.
Joanne Cox, who leads the advocacy group OZ Kiwi, an association that supports New Zealanders living in Australia, says "[Relaxing of the rules are] what we needed because there's a huge cohort through this lockdown that don't have options. You have to have an Australian partner or get sponsored by your employer and nobody sponsors Kiwis."
She says the changes could effectively alter the lives of the 350,000 to 400,000 Kiwis living in Australia and the news was warmly welcomed by Oz Kiwi members.
"We were absolutely thrilled with the detail of the global reform for New Zealanders' rights in Australia.”
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