Australia visa rules not fair to Kiwis

New Zealand, 6th February: Australia immigration rules for New Zealanders do not offer fair treatment.

This simply means that New Zealanders in Australia are treated as nothing but second class citizens after moving to Australia.

Unfair treatment for New Zealanders—New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has assured that he will discuss this issue with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard in a meeting to be held later this week.

New Zealanders moving to Australia are not allowed to make application for Australian citizenship. And the onus for this is on unfair immigration rules of Australia, says Key.

Even those with long term Australian residency are restricted by Australian immigration regulations from becoming Australian citizens. And this is a cause of serious concern for New Zealanders, affirms Key. So, the issue will be discussed by Key with his Australian counterpart Gillard.

New Zealanders immigrating to Australia are not allowed to make applications for Australian citizenship and these rules need to be changed.

No right to vote for New Zealanders in Australia—The fact is that its not just that Australian immigration rules restrict right to apply for Australian citizenship, the New Zealanders do not get the right to vote in Australia. Moreover, New Zealanders cannot get any government benefits in Australia.

It means they cannot get any financial aid while living and working in Australia. Another fact highlighting New Zealanders’ second class treatment in Australia.

This is despite payment of taxes by New Zealanders working in Australia. The issue is of great concern keeping in view the fact that an increasing number of New Zealanders immigrate to Australia every year.

As per the figures, in the span of last thirteen years, nearly 280,000 New Zealand nationals have moved to Australia as temporary foreign workers or through some other immigration routes.

If New Zealanders can get the legal right to live and work in Australia, then how can they be prevented from claiming the right to vote or get government benefits in Australia.

This is the question that disturbs many New Zealanders.

Australia reviewing its immigration policies—Australian immigration department-DIAC(Department of Immigration and Citizenship) has, meanwhile, stated that proposals are under consideration for review of immigration rules for New Zealanders living and/or working in Australia.

The official spokesperson also affirmed that the nation does not discriminate against New Zealanders.