New Zealand Concerned Over 'Stepping Stone' Role for Australian Citizenship
New Zealand has expressed concerns that its country is being used as a "stepping stone" for migrants seeking Australian citizenship. This follows a significant increase in applications from non-New Zealand-born individuals. The surge comes after the Australian Albanese government eased citizenship requirements in July 2023, allowing New Zealanders who have resided in Australia for four years or more to become citizens without prior permanent residency.
Surge in Citizenship Applications
Since July 2023, there has been a 462% increase in Australian citizenship applications from New Zealand Special Category Visa holders. Data from the Australian Department of Home Affairs indicates that 48% of the 92,000 New Zealanders who applied under these relaxed rules were born in third-party nations, not New Zealand. This trend has also coincided with an increase in New Zealanders relocating to Australia.
New Zealand Voices Concern Over 'Stepping Stone' Role
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated concerns that his country is serving as a pathway for migrants to Australia. He believes this trend could accelerate with New Zealand's upcoming eased residency rules, which will grant residency in 18 months for certain workers.
"New Zealand is being used as a stepping stone into Australia. We take them in, train them, up-skill them, look after their families, and then they emigrate."
– Winston Peters, New Zealand Foreign Minister
Australia's Data Practices Under Scrutiny
Despite a significant portion of applicants originating from third-party countries, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs does not require information regarding the country of birth from applicants. The department considers the Special Category Visa, which grants automatic, indefinite stays for New Zealand passport holders, as sufficient proof regarding behavior and health.
Former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Immigration, Abul Rizvi, noted that while New Zealand citizens generally perform well in the Australian labor market, the increase in migration via New Zealand contradicts Australia's broader goal of reducing net migration.
Migration Targets and Economic Drivers
The Australian government's Centre for Population forecasts a net migration of 35,000 New Zealanders in 2025-26, which is projected to be the highest intake in over a decade. Simultaneously, the Albanese government aims to reduce overall net migration to 260,000 this year and 225,000 in 2026-27.
Sociologist Paul Spoonley of New Zealand’s Massey University attributed the outflow of New Zealand citizens, including third-country migrants and Pasifika groups, to a downturn in New Zealand's labor market. He suggested that individuals seek to maximize economic returns and leverage community and family links in Australia.
Australian Government Response
A spokesperson for Australia's Department of Home Affairs stated that recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data, released on December 18, showed a decline in net overseas migration. The spokesperson indicated that in the 2024-25 financial year, net overseas migration was 306,000, a 29% reduction from the previous year. The government attributes this reduction to measures such as:
- Adjusting international student visa requirements.
- Preventing visa transfers onshore for certain temporary visa holders.
- Closing pandemic-era concessions.