The trials and tribulations of becoming an Australian citizen
19 March 2018
PETER KRANZ
MORISSET - Well it took a long time, and with changing and ever-stricter requirements it was something of a tribulation, but Rose has had her Australian citizenship application approved. Thank you, Minister Dutton.
It started when we were married in the Port Moresby Botanical Gardens. I wanted to take Rose to visit Australia, and the tourist visas were then processed at the Australian High Commission in Waigani. That was the easiest step - getting her a tourist visa.
Then things got more complicated when we moved to Australia. The three-month tourist visas had to be renewed but you had to leave the country. So she enjoyed trips to Bali, Singapore, Vanuatu and back to PNG. It almost bankrupted us. But then someone helpfully said you can apply when in Australia!
Then came the ‘spouse visa’. More checks and reports, but it was granted. Then came “permanent residency.” This involved an AIDS test, chest x-rays for TB and more police clearances. Someone then said, “why don’t you apply for citizenship?”
So we did. That was a rigmarole involving more police checks, medical reports and dozens of forms to be filled – including one which asked if you had ever been a terrorist or involved in the production of weapons of mass destruction. We were tempted to answer, “Yes – buai”, but decided against.
Permanent residency was eventually granted and then we waited to hear about the citizenship application. And waited. And waited some more.
Then Rose was asked to attend an English language test (this was just before Minister Dutton decided to upgrade it to university entrance level). She passed.
More waiting. After 11 months we contacted our local member of parliament for help. It worked. Late last week, we received a notice that Rose’s Australian citizenship had been approved. Thank you, Minister Dutton. Now we wait for the ceremony. Rose has been warned if she does not attend and uphold the pledge to support Australian values, her citizenship will be revoked.
So all’s well that ends well (almost). It has cost around $4,000 and consumed seven years of hoop-jumping.
Franz Kafka would be proud. God bless Australia!
An unbelievable ordeal. Congrats to you both.
Posted by: Diane Bohlen | 05 April 2018 at 08:55 PM
Dear Murray
Is that lost in Cabinet or lost in a cabinet?
Posted by: Bernard Corden | 21 March 2018 at 10:55 PM
Dear Peter,
It's not over yet, try applying for a passport and the citizenship document is meaningless
Posted by: Bernard Corden | 21 March 2018 at 11:16 AM
Knights it is Murray. Although the Morisset Hammerheads come a close second! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gibson-Oval-Rugby-Park/129749607228421
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 19 March 2018 at 06:38 PM
Great news Rose, congratulations. Patience has its rewards, but it shouldn't have to be that way! Such a complex and drawn out system seems geared to frighten off any legitimate would be citizen.
Peter, I would love to send Rose the official compendium of Australian values so she won't err and put her citizenship in jeopardy.
However, I think the Federal government haven't fully revealed what they are. They seem to have been lost in Cabinet and may never see the light of day!
By the way Rose, I assume you now support the Newcastle Knights? First lesson in Aussie values!
Posted by: Murray Bladwell | 19 March 2018 at 10:22 AM
Congratulations, Rose. And well done, Pete for your discretion and restraint in handling the bureaus.
Posted by: Robin Lillicrapp | 19 March 2018 at 05:42 AM