Australia to fast track citizenship for New Zealanders

[Social Media]

BBC News

 

Australia has announced plans to make it easier for hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders living in the country to become Australian citizens.

From 1 July, they can apply for citizenship as long as they have lived in Australia for four years or more and arrived after 2001.

They will also no longer need to apply for permanent residency first to be eligible for citizenship.

New Zealand has campaigned for reform since visa rules toughened in 2001.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement on Saturday, a day ahead of a visit by his New Zealand counterpart Chris Hipkins.

[thaibeachlovers]

Australia needs skilled people and pays more than NZ, so probably the only thing holding some back was IMO the lack of social security in Oz.

 

NZ is losing out in the race to attract skilled people as not paying enough for same jobs. The government is apparently desperate as is now apparently offering immediate residency for people in certain occupations.