Pakistanis become one of the leading nationalities to join the Australian diaspora

8,821 Pakistanis were conferred Australian citizenship in 2019-2020 as online citizenship ceremonies helped many people becoming part of the nation.

Dr Mohsin Ali Tariq (left) and his wife Dr Bushra Mumtaz (right) are seen with their children in Ipswich, Queensland. Source: AAP Image/Darren England

Ali Haider came to Australia five years ago on a Permanent Resident Visa and became an Australian citizen recently.

“The dream is finally a reality,” says Ali with a broad smile.

“I always love the multicultural aspect of this beautiful country. It has amazing people, great weather and lovely places to visit. My life has improved into terms of quality, financially and professionally.”

“The process is not that difficult if you start on a PR visa in Australia. For others who come on a temporary visa or student visa, things are different and the pathway takes time. For my wife and I, it was like an adventure.” 

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•  Around 9,000 Pakistani were conferred Australian citizenship
• High-skilled migrants and students continue to migrate to Australia
• Online citizenships boosted the citizenship numbers during COVID-19

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Apart from Pakistanis who were conferred Australian citizenship, other nationalities include Indians, British, Chinese, Filipinos, Vietnamese, Sri Lankans, New Zealanders, Afghanis and South Africans.

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge says becoming an Australian citizen means more than just living and working here – it’s a pledge of allegiance to our nation, our people and our values.

Australian Citizen Hina Asim attends the flag raising and Citizenship ceremony at Lake Burley Griffin on January 26, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. Source: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images

“When someone becomes a citizen, they make a pledge to uphold Australia’s rights, liberties, laws, and democratic values. It represents a willingness to integrate into our successful multicultural nation.

“Being an Australian citizen is an immense privilege, which brings both rights and responsibilities. I congratulate all those who have taken this important step,” Alan Tudge said.

204,817 people were conferred Australian citizenship in 2019-2020. Source: Department of Home Affairs

Due to COVID-19 restrictions citizenship ceremonies were put on a hold creating a back-log of applicants. But the government soon started online ceremonies and to date, more than 60,000 people have been conferred citizenship this way.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, small in-person ceremonies resumed on 3 June. Online ceremonies will also continue for the foreseeable future for councils unable to host in-person ceremonies in a COVID-safe way.

There is a 60% rise in the number of conferrals as 204,817 people were conferred Australian citizenship in 2019-20.

The Department of Home Affairs has also resumed citizenship interviews and testing, in line with COVID-19 health advice. Small numbers of appointments have begun in Perth and Sydney and more will be rolled out in other locations as soon as possible.