Children born in Australia to Kiwi parents who meet certain criteria will be given automatic Australian citizenship, under new changes announced by the federal government.
The new rules mean New Zealanders who are on the visa will be able to apply for citizenship without having to become a permanent resident first, as long as they have lived in Australia for at least four years.
Speaking on Sunday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also announced that, from July 1, 2023, children who are born in Australia to New Zealander parents who hold a Special Category visa and are permanent residents will automatically become Australian citizens.
“We know that many New Zealanders are here on a special category visa while raising families and working and building their lives in Australia,” he said.
“So I am very pleased to provide the benefits that citizenship provides.”
Mr Albanese described the relaxing of the citizenship rules as “common sense”, given Australians living across the Tasman are already afforded similar rights.