11 August, 2004
Locke welcomes proposed changes to Citizenship Bill
Green MP Keith Locke has welcomed the Government's decision to axe proposed retrospective legislation that could have
forced migrants about to be granted New Zealand citizenship to wait for an extra two years.
"It was quite wrong for permanent residents living in New Zealand to suddenly have the ground rules changed under
them," said Mr Locke, the Green Party's Human Rights spokesperson.
"Retrospective lawmaking is generally bad law-making and it certainly was in this case. Under the Identity (Citizenship
and Travel Documents) Bill's existing wording, a migrant about to get citizenship could suddenly be asked to wait an
extra two years.
"However, even if that clause is removed the bill remains flawed. The Government has given no adequate reason why the
qualifying time for citizenship should be pushed out from three to five years, or why time spent here on a work permit
shouldn't count towards the qualifying time.
"Spouses of New Zealand citizens are particularly disadvantaged by the new measures, with their qualifying time moving
from two to five years. Having to wait five years for a passport is going to inconvenience the New Zealander and his or
her spouse, particularly when travelling together to countries where our citizens have visa-free entry," said Mr Locke.
The bill is currently before the Government Administration Select Committee, which Mr Locke will be sitting on for
hearings on the bill.
ENDS