An expat lobby group says a law that makes it easier for Kiwis who arrived in Australia before 2001 to get citizenship is to expire in October. The group has been urging expats to apply for citizenship as soon as possible in case they miss out. New Zealanders who moved to Australia before February 26, 2001, can apply for citizenship as permanent residents. Victoria University researcher Paul Hamer, who has a special interest in New Zealanders in Australia, said he would be "extremely surprised" Australia did not roll over the law change. A spokeswoman from the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection did not directly answer Herald questions about whether the law would be extended.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 09, 2017 20:11 UTC