Fed: Australians allowed dual citizenship

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Fed: Australians allowed dual citizenship

CANBERRA, April 9 AAP - Australians can now become citizens of other countries withoutlosing their Australian passports.

Citizenship Minister Gary Hardgrave today said the governor-general had signed a newbill allowing Australians to hold dual citizenship.

He said about 700 people a year lose their Australian passports when they become citizensof another country.

"The new legislation means that the growing number of internationally mobile Australianscan take advantage of opportunities in other countries while retaining their links withAustralia," Mr Hardgrave said.

"This provision of the legislation was outdated, particularly given the large numberof Australians overseas and the reality of global labour markets."

In perhaps the most celebrated case, media mogul Rupert Murdoch was deprived of hisAustralian passport when he took out United States citizenship.

Mr Hardgrave said the new law did not apply retrospectively.

Council for Multicultural Australia chairman Benjamin Chow endorsed the changes, sayingthey supported the vibrant and multicultural Australian community.

"Our diverse community is one of Australia's great strengths," he said.

"These amendments ensure the diversity of our population is not diminished.

"The new arrangements mean that Australia can still benefit economically, sociallyand culturally from their (foreign citizens') ties to Australia."

The change brings citizenship laws into line with those of most other developed countries.

AAP sm/jnb/sb

KEYWORD: CITIZENSHIP