According to the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA), more than 5 million people have become Australian citizens since the introduction of concept citizenship in Australia in 1949 vide the erstwhile Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 (Cth).
There is no doubt that the idea of citizenship remains ‘fundamental to [one’s] national identity’ as the Department continued to conduct online citizenship ceremonies even while the face-to-face ceremonies were temporarily suspended due to the outbreak of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
The Hon Alan Tudge MP, the Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs has recently stated that, “The Morrison Government recognises the importance of Australian citizenship for migrants and for the wider Australia community. Already in 2019-20, more than 157,000 people have been conferred Australia citizenship, up 70% on the same period in 2018-19”.
The table below shows the former nationality and the number of people who were conferred Australian citizenship in 2018-19 (01 July 2018 to 30 June 2019).
| NATIONALITY | NO. OF PEOPLE |
| India | 28,470 |
| United Kingdom | 13,364 |
| Philippines | 9,267 |
| China (mainland China only) | 7,974 |
| Sri Lanka | 4,861 |
| Vietnam | 3,501 |
| Pakistan | 3,360 |
| Nepal | 3,294 |
| Iraq | 3,087 |
| South Korea | 3,062 |
| Other | 47,434 |
| Total | 127,674 |
During this period, the Department conferred citizenship to nationals from at least 200 different countries. If you have any questions or are seeking migration related advice on this issue, Discuss Your Situation with us or call us on (02) 4626 100 to speak to one of our Registered Migration Agents who can help you.
