The Citizenship (Western Samoa) (Restoration) Amendment Bill has officially become law, offering a pathway for certain individuals to reclaim their New Zealand citizenship, previously revoked under the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982.
This new legislation applies to those born in Western Samoa between 13 May 1924 and 1 January 1949, and, in specific cases, to their wives and children. It is estimated that around 3,500 individuals could be eligible to apply for citizenship. However, the law does not extend citizenship rights to descendants, except those born within the British Empire before 1 January 1949.
Carmel Sepuloni, Labour’s spokesperson for Pacific Peoples, described the law’s passing as a significant achievement, crediting it to the determined advocacy of Samoan and Pacific communities. Sepuloni highlighted that the legislation honours the Government’s formal apology for the Dawn Raids and reflects Labour’s dedication to serving the aspirations of the Pacific people.
Read the original article here: https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2411/S00122/samoan-citizenship-bill-passes-into-law.htm