New Zealand to require citizenship test for migrants
New Zealand will soon require migrants to pass a citizenship test as part of its naturalisation process. The new exam will be a 20-question, in-person, multiple-choice test in English. Brooke van Velden, the Minister of Internal Affairs, says the change aims to ensure new citizens understand the country’s core democratic values. The Department of Internal Affairs is finalising the exam’s structure and study materials.
What we know
- New Zealand will introduce a citizenship test for migrants in the second half of 2027.
- The test will be in-person, consist of 20 multiple-choice questions in English, and require at least 15 correct answers to pass.
- Topics will include the Bill of Rights Act, human rights, voting rights, democratic principles, government structure, selected criminal offences, and entry/exit rules.
- Brooke van Velden stated the reform aims to confirm applicants understand the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of citizenship.
- The Department of Internal Affairs is preparing guidance and procedures for the test’s rollout.
