27 November 2024 -Samoa His high hope of becoming a NZ citizen under his parents is now a disappointment against the NZ government for a 52-year-old father of five from Faleata.
Mr. Falefata and his family’s last wish to enter NZ was through the new passed amendment to the NZ Immigration law of 1982 Western Samoa citizenship. Unfortunately, as of Monday this week, 25th November, he’d just realized he is not eligible under all four criteria.
“The only reason why I wanted to move to NZ, is for my children’s education and a brighter future for them.”
“I’ve tried for several years in the past, on the annual 1,100 people to enter NZ on a Quota Scheme, but without any luck.”
But for those who are eligible for the NZ citizenship are being asked to apply starting Tuesday 27th November 2024.
The NZ immigration sent out the below release for the Samoans to be aware of their eligibilities.
Apply for NZ citizenship if born in Samoa before 1949
You can apply for NZ citizenship if you were born in Samoa on or after 13 May 1924 and before 1 January 1949, or if you meet 1 of the other eligibility criteria.
To apply for citizenship under section 7A of the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982, you must meet 1 of the eligibility criteria.
Check you meet the criteria and have the required documents before you apply, then download and complete an application form.
Cost
The application fee is NZD$204.45.
If your application is successful, you will receive a full refund.
If you do not meet the requirements for citizenship, you can withdraw the application and get a partial refund of NZD$136.30.
Eligibility criteria
You must meet 1 of the following 4 eligibility criteria:
Eligibility criteria 1
You are eligible for New Zealand citizenship if you were born in Western Samoa on or after 13 May 1924 and before 1 January 1949.
Eligibility criteria 2
You are eligible for New Zealand citizenship if:
• you are female, and
• before 1 January 1949 you legally married someone who meets eligibility criteria 1.
Eligibility criteria 3
You are eligible for New Zealand citizenship if:
• your parent was born in Western Samoa on or after 13 May 1924 and before 1 January 1949, and
• you were born before 1 January 1949, and
• you were born in the British Empire.
The British Empire included United Kingdom dominions and colonies, but excluded protectorates and protected states. If you are unsure if you were born in the British Empire, contact us:
• Freephone: 0800 22 52 12 (New Zealand only)
• Phone: +64 9 339 0853 (outside New Zealand)
• Email: [email protected]
Eligibility criteria 4
You are eligible for New Zealand citizenship if:
• you are female, and
• before 1 January 1949 you legally married someone who meets eligibility criteria 3.
What you need to apply
You must provide:
• your birth certificate
• your passport, travel document, or state-issued ID
• 2 identical passport-style photos, verified by a witness.
All documents must be original or certified copies. If you provide a certified copy of a document, it must be certified by a New Zealand embassy or consulate, or authorized Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) counter staff. End of release.
However, Mr. Falefata says, despite his unmet wishes all these years to move to NZ, he congratulates the Samoans and Pacific Leaders in NZ for trying their best to return the NZ citizenship of Samoans. “The few people who are blessed is better than allowing NZ to continue on without admitting to the wrongs of their past leaders.”
