New law means not all babies born here will be citizens (New Zealand)

[tritsofme]

Not all babies born in this country will automatically become citizens of New Zealand under a law change coming into effect on January 1.


The change will affect some of the babies born to up to 500 couples who travel to New Zealand each year to give birth so their children can obtain a New Zealand passport.

The children born here to couples who have no claim to New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency will not be entitled to citizenship under the new rules.

Registrar-general of Births, Deaths and Marriages Brian Clarke, said the change would only affect a small number of babies.

"The new rules will not affect the vast majority of children born in New Zealand.

<SNIP>
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3504216a11,00.html

Interesting with the debate going on here in America.

[bonito]

1. Well, thats a great idea

We should all get an earthling citizenship, all those boarders aren't real anyhow. Christ, why can't we see the forrest through the trees? because there's no difference. Peace

[wickerwoman]

2. I bet some obstetricians are going to be busy

on Dec 31st inducing panicing couples.

What happens if labor begins in 2005 but the baby comes out in 2006?

[Horse with no Name]

3. Yep

and Mexican nationals babies aren't going to be US citizens either.

[RogueBandit]

4. Thought it started at insemination...

Or at three months or six...or just when does a baby become classed as a human anyway? If at three months then that is when the mother needs to be in the country, not at birth.

Just being sarcastic.