One Nation Claims NZ Citizenship Pathway a ‘Back Door’ to Australia
Minister Murray Watt defended the NZ citizenship pathway, rejecting claims it bypasses migration standards and describing the criticism as insulting.
TL;DR
- One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts claims the Albanese government created a 'back door' pathway for New Zealand citizens to gain Australian citizenship.
- Changes introduced by Labor in 2023 allow New Zealand citizens on Special Category Visas to apply directly for citizenship.
- Permanent residency is no longer a prerequisite for these New Zealand citizens to apply for citizenship.
- Eligibility requires meeting residency and other requirements, including four years of living in Australia.