Rising Number of South Africans Securing New Zealand Citizenship

South Africans have now become the third largest group of overseas-born citizens in New Zealand, surpassing Filipinos. Last year saw about 40,000 new citizens, marking significant growth particularly among Pacific Islanders. India continues as the top source country, while experts discuss the implications of these trends on New Zealand’s migration patterns.

Recent data reveals that South Africans have surpassed Filipinos to become the third largest group of overseas-born citizens in New Zealand. Approximately 40,000 individuals gained New Zealand citizenship last year, reflecting a notable increase, especially among Pacific Islanders, whose numbers rose by 67 percent. Tonga re-entered the top ten countries contributing new citizens, while Australians have fallen off this list.

Additionally, over 700 Germans obtained New Zealand citizenship following recent changes in their home country’s dual citizenship laws. In contrast, the requirement for Chinese citizens to renounce their citizenship prior to acquiring New Zealand citizenship contributes to their relatively lower figures despite a significant population. India remains the leading source country for new citizens, followed by Britain.

Demographer Professor Paul Spoonley noted this surge in citizenship applications represents a significant increase compared to previous years. He explained that while permanent residence allows access to services and voting without citizenship, many individuals seek citizenship for the associated rights and, notably, for the passport that enables global travel. This utilitarian aspect plays a crucial role in the decision to naturalize.

Both South Africa and the Philippines are expected to continue providing high numbers of new citizens in the coming years. Professor Spoonley emphasized the ongoing political instability in South Africa as a major push factor, alongside the established presence of South African communities in New Zealand. The report suggests that many South Africans currently in New Zealand are now committed to residing there long-term, moving away from the possibility of return to their homeland.

Historic data from 1949 to 2014 indicated that Britain contributed a significant portion of new citizens, followed by China and Samoa. However, as of 2023, India has ascended to second place overall in this category. Notably, Taiwan emerges as the tenth most common country for new citizens, reflecting a surge in migration during the 1990s.

In summary, the influx of South Africans into New Zealand continues to rise, overtaking Filipinos in the ranks of overseas-born citizens. Significant demographic shifts are observed, with India and Britain leading the source nations. Local experts highlight the importance of citizenship for migrants seeking stability and benefits in New Zealand. This demographic trend underscores the evolving landscape of immigration and the increasing commitment of new citizens to their adopted country.

Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz