URGENT UPDATE: Over 400 people per week in New Zealand are rushing to apply for Australian citizenship as migration rules ease dramatically. This surge follows the Albanese government‘s changes in July 2023, allowing New Zealand residents who have lived in Australia for four years or more to gain citizenship without needing permanent residency first.
The latest data reveals a staggering 462 percent increase in applications since the rule change, with nearly half of the 92,000 applicants born in countries other than New Zealand. This trend raises urgent concerns about Australia’s capacity to manage its migration intake, especially as New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters warns that the country is being exploited as a pathway for migrants seeking a better life in Australia.
Why This Matters NOW: With New Zealand’s labor market struggling, the exodus of citizens to Australia is accelerating. Peters expressed alarm, stating,
“New Zealand is being used as a stepping stone into Australia. How is this an effective immigration policy?”
This situation could leave New Zealand with a depleted workforce, as its skilled professionals and low-skilled workers leave for opportunities across the Tasman Sea.
The implications are significant for both governments. Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that it does not track the country of birth for applicants, relying solely on the Special Category Visa that allows automatic stays for New Zealand passport holders. Meanwhile, migration trends indicate 35,000 New Zealanders are expected to migrate to Australia by 2025-26, the highest intake in over a decade. This occurs as the Albanese government aims to reduce net migration from 306,000 last year to 260,000 this year.
Former immigration official Abul Rizvi noted that while New Zealand citizens typically contribute positively to the Australian labor market, the rapid increase in citizenship applications contradicts the Australian government’s goal of slowing migration. Rizvi emphasized,
“What’s happening with New Zealand citizens is pushing against that policy.”
Additionally, sociologist Paul Spoonley highlighted that economic conditions in New Zealand are forcing many citizens to seek opportunities abroad, particularly in Australia. He stated,
“What Australia is getting are those who have migrated to New Zealand, having got educational qualifications and experience in New Zealand.”
As this situation develops, both governments must navigate the complexities of migration policy and its impact on their respective labor markets. The Australian government has implemented various measures to manage migration, but the influx of New Zealanders indicates that challenges remain.
What’s Next: Authorities in both countries will need to address the growing concerns about labor shortages and migration patterns. As New Zealand continues to ease its own migration rules, pressure is mounting for both governments to find solutions that balance opportunity with sustainable immigration practices.
Stay tuned for more developments on this urgent issue as it unfolds.
