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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Paul Karp

New Zealanders to gain faster pathway to Australian citizenship under major changes to immigration rules

New Zealand prime minister Chris Hipkins (left) and Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese
New Zealand prime minister Chris Hipkins (left) and Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese in February. From 1 July, all New Zealanders on special category visas in Australia will be able to apply directly for citizenship, as long as they meet a four-year residence and other eligibility requirements. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

About 380,000 New Zealanders will gain the right to apply for Australian citizenship without becoming permanent residents first, under sweeping changes restoring reciprocity to the rights of expats of the two countries.

On Saturday the Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil, and immigration minister, Andrew Giles, will announce the changes ahead of a visit by New Zealand prime minister Chris Hipkins.

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