New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa Si'alei van Toor says detailed information about who is eligible for New Zealand citizenship reinstatement is now available on the New Zealand Government Department of Internal Affairs website.

Samoans born before 1949 had their New Zealand citizenship reinstated last week when the New Zealand Government passed new legislation.

“This enables several Samoans to regain their New Zealand citizenship as of right if they choose to apply to do so,” said High Commissioner van Toor.

The Citizenship (Western Samoa) (Restoration) Amendment Bill applies to those born in Western Samoa between 13 May 1924 and 1 January 1949.  The law does not extend citizenship to the descendants of those affected by the 1982 Act, except if they were born in the British Empire before 1 January 1949.

It is estimated that approximately 3,500 people may be eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship. Full eligibility criteria, and application forms, can be found at www.govt.nz/citizenship-samoa-pre-1949

High Commissioner van Toor said the application process is separate from the standard residency and citizenship application pathways. Applications will be fast-tracked for those eligible, and the fee will be refunded once they are checked and approved.

“This new legislation reverses a decision by the New Zealand Government in 1982 which impacted many Samoan families. The Government received 25,000 submissions through the Select Committee stage on the proposal to reinstate citizenship.  Seeing that the consultation process has resulted in this outcome is wonderful,” she said.

“While this change is meaningful for many people, we recognise the concerns of affected family members and acknowledge the 1982 Act has had a significant effect on descendants and Samoa as a whole.”

If you’re unsure whether you or your family are eligible, or have any questions visit: www.govt.nz/citizenship-samoa-pre-1949 or contact DIA on +64 (9) 339 0853 or email: [email protected]