Trans-Tasman Relations: A Model for Tonga’s Approach to Overstayers Issue
For the past two to three years, the Tongan community has been relentlessly pursuing its mission to convince the New Zealand government to issue amnesty for overstayers – individuals who exceed their visa’s expiry and continue to stay in the host country. Despite their tireless efforts, the community acknowledges that the quest for amnesty may not be politically feasible. Thus, a fresh, pragmatic approach is necessary.
In a parallel narrative, a significant breakthrough in trans-Tasman relations has emerged. Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, is scheduled to meet New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins, in Wellington next week. This annual meeting of trans-Tasman leaders signifies not only the strong friendship between the two countries but also sets a precedent for collaborative problem-solving in the realm of immigration.
During a ceremony commemorating the 40th anniversary of the free trade agreement between New Zealand and Australia, Hipkins announced Albanese’s inaugural visit. The meeting agenda includes discussions on various subjects, such as the alignment of trade regulations, net-zero emissions targets, Pacific security and prosperity, Māori and Aboriginal Australian collaboration, and innovation across the shared trans-Tasman economy.
It’s worth highlighting that these discussions come at a time when both countries are grappling with similar challenges, prominently featuring the issue of overstayers. Therefore, the visit not only acknowledges past trans-Tasman achievements but also paves the way for charting the future course for both nations.
A key accomplishment this year is the introduction of a direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders living in Australia. This progressive change, made possible through relentless lobbying by New Zealand’s leaders, has brought hope and opportunities to countless New Zealanders in Australia. Since the new rules came into force on July 1st, almost 2000 New Zealanders have already applied for Australian citizenship. This policy shift is expected to benefit an estimated 300,000 New Zealanders who are now eligible for the direct pathway to citizenship.
The Tongan community, in its quest to address the overstayers issue, could draw significant lessons from this trans-Tasman milestone. New Zealand’s success in advocating for its citizens in Australia offers a viable template for Tonga to follow. It illustrates the power of strategic lobbying and diplomatic negotiations, as well as the potential benefits of reshaping immigration policies to be more inclusive and humane.
As such, the Tongan community would welcome similar strategic efforts from the Tongan Prime Minister. By adopting a New Zealand-style approach to overstayers, Tonga can actively lobby for the development of a clear pathway to residency or citizenship. The Australian-New Zealand immigration breakthrough demonstrates that such a path is not only possible but also beneficial to the overall social and economic fabric of a nation. This potential strategy shift for Tonga could transform the lives of many overstayers and underscore the power of diplomatic negotiations in effecting positive change.