Immigrants in Australia show more interest in citizenship

A report from the Australian immigration departments shows that immigrants from vulnerable backgrounds are increasingly enthusiastic about obtainingcitizenship.

The recently released Australia Citizenship Test Snapshot has shown an increase in participation and in pass rates for the test, according to Australian Immigration and Citizenship minister Chris Bowen. He attributes the rise in applications and passes to the government’s recent introduction of education pathways for those with vulnerable backgrounds.

In an interview, Bowen stated that citizenship is an important step as it demonstrates a commitment to the country, its peoples and its way of life. He added that it’s essential that those wishing to become Australian citizens understand the democratic beliefs, liberties, rights and laws of the country.

Bowen believes that the increase is also due to the Australian model of multiculturalism based on citizenship, and said the report supported Australia’s high take-up rate compared with other OEDC countries. As more migrants choose the country as their home, he continued, the more successful the model will become.

Almost 72,000 migrants took the citizenship test in 2011/2012, a 20 per cent increase on the previous year’s figures, and the top countries of birth of applicants were the UK India, China, the Philippines and South Africa. The test itself assesses knowledge of Australia and the responsibility and privileges of citizenship, as well as assessing the level of the applicant’s English language skills.