Aftab Tariq* came to Australia six years ago on a PR visa (permanent resident) and after passing through various stages of citizenship, was looking forward to becoming an Australian citizen this week.
However, the citizenship ceremony he was planning to attend and pledge his loyalty to Australia was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
"I was hoping to be an Aussie this week and had a few plans to enjoy being an Australian. But I guess one cannot plan for everything.
"I was told by the council that the covid-19 spread has resulted in the change of plans for the ceremony."
It is like coming to the finish line and not being able to cross it.
Aftab said that he received the letter from the Department of Home Affairs about the cancellation of the ceremony.
However, no new date has been provided to him or when the ceremony will be taking place.
“I am guessing it will be done next month or later, depending upon the success against Covid-19.”
The citizenship ceremony is the final legal step to become an Australia citizen. During the ceremony, the future citizens pledge their loyalty to “Australia and its people” and then receive the citizenship certificate.
Local councils hold the citizenship ceremony event where people are invited, speeches by the government representatives are held, and pledges are made.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison takes a selfie with newly-sworn citizens at an Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony Source: AAP
One of the local councils in Sydney, Lane Cove Council in New South Wales has also cancelled its citizenship ceremony that was planned for 19th March.
The council has stated that the decision has been taken due to the “recent escalation of Coronavirus COVID-19.”
“The Council has made the decision to cancel a number of upcoming events including the citizenship ceremony.”
Hume City Council and Wyndham Council are among the councils in Victoria that have cancelled the ceremonies later this month.
"It is with great regret that Wyndham City Council is cancelling all council-run events, activities or programs that are organised for the general public until further notice due to the evolving impact of COVID-19." The Wyndham council states on its website.
"While it is a very difficult decision to make, the health and safety of our community and staff must take precedence. This decision is consistent with actions taken at a State level to cancel large gatherings or run events without spectators."
Those who were planning to make “the pledge” and become “Australian citizens” this month received letters from the Department of Home Affairs, that the ceremony has been cancelled.
The letter sent to the citizenship applicants does not cite a reason for the cancellation but asks them to update the contact details or any changes in their circumstances.
"My happiness tanked when I received the cancellation letter. But I hope that things will be better over time." Aftab told SBS Urdu.
I have waited this long; I can wait a bit more.
*Name has been changed due to privacy.
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