Australia has assured New Zealand Prime Minister (PM) Jacinda Ardern that it would not “arbitrarily” cancel the citizenship of those who are also New Zealand citizens without prior consultation. The assurance came after Ardern announced her government’s decision to agree to a request from the Turkish authorities to accept the return of a woman accused of having ties with the Islamic State since Australia cancelled the former dual national’s citizenship.
After a cabinet meeting in Wellington on Monday, Ardern said, “New Zealand has not taken this step lightly. We have taken into account our international responsibilities and details of this particular case, including the fact that children are involved.” Ardern added, “They are not Turkey’s responsibility, and with Australia refusing to accept the family, that makes them ours.” In addition, Ardern said Australia assured her government of consultations if similar cases arise in the future.
Turkish authorities detained the woman, identified as Suhayra Aden, 26, and her two children near the Syrian border in February. They alleged that the woman was a “Daesh terrorist” with a blue Interpol notice. Aden held dual citizenship to Australia and New Zealand and grew up in Australia before leaving for Syria in 2014 on an Australian passport. After she joined a terrorist organisation, Australia revoked her citizenship last year without consulting New Zealand. While stripping Aden of her Australian citizenship, Australian PM Scott Morrison said, “Terrorists who fought with terrorism organisations forfeited the privilege of citizenship.”
Earlier this year, Ardern accused the Australian government of “abdicating its responsibility” by unilaterally cancelling the woman’s citizenship. In response, the Australian PM said, “My job is Australia’s interests. That’s my job. And it’s my job as the Australian Prime Minister to put Australia’s national security interests first. I think all Australians would agree with that.” Moreover, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne acknowledged the complexity of the citizenship issue in April, since it involved two children, but refused to reverse Aden’s citizenship status.
Ardern has assured New Zealanders that “great care” is being taken to minimise any risk. She said, “Planning by agencies has been twofold to ensure all appropriate steps are in place to address potential security concerns and to have the right services in place to support reintegration, with particular focus on the wellbeing of the children.” The family’s travel arrangements have not been revealed due to security reasons, and they will be subjected to the investigation on arrival as per New Zealand law.