Changes to the citizenship test and application process
As noted in the Australian AN overhaul of citizenship rules will ensure the overseas partners of Australians who want to call the nation home have a “connection to Australia, rather than a connection to an Australian’’.
The Department of Immigration has weighed in on proposed changes to citizenship laws, saying “Australian citizenship is a privilege to be given by the Australian people, rather than a right to be claimed by an individual’’.
The government wants to strengthen the integrity of the citizenship program and hand Immigration Minister Scott Morrison powers to revoke citizenship where it has been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.
This would include cases where applicants had provided false or misleading information during the visa and citizenship processes.
Refugee advocates are warning of overreach, saying no decision-maker should be exempt from independent oversight.
The majority of people who apply for citizenship must live in Australia for four years before their application, including spending at least 12 months as a permanent resident. The changes mean people would need to live in Australia continuously for 12 months.
The overhaul would also remove any abuse of the partner discretion, limiting when an applicant, who is married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, can count overseas absences as part of the residence requirement for citizenship.
