In New Zealand, South Africans have become the third largest group of overseas-born citizens, surpassing Filipinos. Over 40,000 individuals became citizens last year, with significant increases noted among Pacific Islanders. Ongoing political instability in South Africa is likely to sustain high migration rates from there and the Philippines, reflecting a long-term commitment to New Zealand.
Recent data from New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs indicates that South Africans have surpassed Filipinos as the third largest group of overseas-born citizens in New Zealand. In the previous year, approximately 40,000 individuals acquired New Zealand citizenship, with a notable surge of 67 percent in Pacific Islanders becoming new citizens. Tonga re-emerged as a significant contributor to New Zealand’s citizenship numbers, while Australians have fallen off the list of top source countries.
The demographic shift includes more than 700 Germans who have capitalized on changes in their country’s dual citizenship laws. In contrast, Chinese applicants continue to face challenges, as they must renounce their citizenship to gain New Zealand nationality, affecting their overall numbers despite a substantial resident population. For the second consecutive year, India remains the leading source of new citizens, trailed by Britain.
Demographer Professor Paul Spoonley pointed out that the influx of new citizens marks a significant increase compared to previous years. He noted, “The interesting thing is that migration to New Zealand does not involve a requirement to become a citizen in order to access services or to do things such as vote… Permanent Residence provides nearly all of the things that a New Zealand citizen can expect or access.”
Professor Spoonley articulated that obtaining citizenship serves both a symbolic and practical purpose, stating, “I think citizenship is both an act of loyalty to a new homeland, but I also suspect that for quite a few people, it’s getting that passport, which allows you to move around the world. So it’s got a sort of utilitarian value.” He anticipates sustained high numbers of migrants from South Africa and the Philippines, largely due to ongoing political instability in South Africa.
The reasons behind this migration include various push factors related to South Africa’s political climate and crime, alongside pull factors such as existing family ties within New Zealand’s South African community. Observations from prior research indicated a belief that South Africans might return home if conditions improved; however, current citizenship statistics suggest a long-term commitment to remaining in New Zealand, indicating acceptance of their residency status.
Historical data from 1949 to 2014 illustrates that Britain constituted over a quarter of overseas-born new citizens, with China and Samoa following. By 2023, India has ascended to become the second primary source country for new citizens. Moreover, Taiwan emerged as the tenth most common country for new citizens during a significant migration period in the 1990s, despite its smaller population of 23 million.
In summary, the shift in New Zealand’s citizenship demographics highlights the growing influence of South Africans and other nationalities in the country. The rise in new citizens reflects ongoing migration trends influenced by both political and familial factors. As more individuals secure their status as New Zealand citizens, this trend is indicative of the changing landscape of New Zealand’s populace and their future commitments to the nation.
Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz
