World

New Zealand to require citizenship test for migrants

By AAP Newswire

May 6, 2026

the New Zealand flag — People wanting New Zealand citizenship will soon have to pass a test in English. -AAP Image

Migrants seeking New Zealand citizenship will need to pass a test covering ‌topics such as government and human rights.

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Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van ‌Velden announced the move on Wednesday, saying the test ‌would be conducted in person and feature 20 multi-choice questions in English, 15 of which must be answered correctly to pass.

Questions will include topics such ‌as the Bill ‌of ⁠Rights Act, human rights, certain criminal offences, voting rights, democratic principles, the structure of government and travel to and from New Zealand.

"People seeking citizenship should understand New Zealanders believe in certain rights, like freedom of ⁠speech, or that no ‌one person or group is above the law," Ms van ‌Velden said in a statement on X.

"This test ensures people have sufficient knowledge of their responsibilities and privileges before receiving citizenship by grant."

Currently, applicants only need to sign a declaration that they understand the ‌responsibilities and privileges of being a citizen.

The test would become a requirement in the second half of ⁠2027.