Today on Australian Citizenship Day, we celebrate with the 2500 people who will become new citizens of our nation and acknowledge the permanency, stability and value offered by this opportunity.
Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs the Hon. Alan Tudge MP has announced that no new English language requirements will be created. This is in line with FECCA’s advocacy and concerns from our members.
The Minister also outlined new questions on Australian values to be included in the citizenship test from 15 November 2020.
The majority of people in Australia, including new citizens, share the common values that were outlined, such as family traditions, fairness, equality, democracy, respect and the rule of law. People who want to become citizens do so because they share those values.
“The goal of many migrants is achieving permanency for themselves and their families. People want to be Australian and they tell us, ‘Australia is a dream country’,” FECCA Chair Mary Patetsos said.
We also recognise the long journey and process many of these new citizens have endured and those who are still waiting for the relief that comes with citizenship.
About 150,000 people are currently waiting to have their citizenship applications processed and the current wait time for citizenship is around 27 months. For those who are pursuing the pathway from temporary visa, to permanent residency to eventual citizenship, this timeframe can often extend beyond 8 years.
“We look forward to working with the Minister to address timely and transparent pathways towards permanent residency and citizenship which continue to be a problem for so many future Australians,” Ms Patetsos said.
