Digitalization Project to Optimize Ordinary Naturalization Procedures

What changed

New Zealand's Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, announced that an in-person citizenship test will be introduced as part of the citizenship by grant process from late 2027. Aspeq Limited has been appointed to design and deliver this new test. This initiative is designed to ensure that applicants seeking citizenship possess a sufficient understanding of their responsibilities and privileges as citizens of New Zealand, thereby strengthening the meaning of citizenship. The test will cover concepts such as freedom of speech and the principle of equality before the law.

What changed

Switzerland and India have signed two important agreements: a Migration and Mobility Partnership and another agreement for training exchanges for young professionals. The Migration and Mobility Partnership makes official the existing cooperation on migration, creating legal ways for people to move and addressing issues like irregular migration, human trafficking, and forged documents. The agreement for young professionals will provide training placements to help people improve their professional and language skills.

What changed

The Swiss Federal Council has significantly increased funding for integration promotion by the Confederation and the cantons. It approved a commitment credit of 334.5 million Swiss francs for the years 2028 to 2032, a rise of 5.4 million Swiss francs annually compared to the current period. This enhanced funding targets language development, educational pathways, and labour market integration, primarily benefiting immigrants and refugees through strengthened cantonal programmes and national projects. The change takes effect for the new programme period starting in 2028.

What changed

On 22 September 2026, UK Visas and Immigration updated its 'Registering children as British citizens: caseworker guidance'. This update specifically incorporates guidance on the registration of a child whose mother is in a same-sex relationship with a British citizen. The change applies to nationality caseworkers considering applications for British citizenship by entitlement and discretion, ensuring consistent application of the British Nationality Act 1981 across all family types.