Australia Explains What Comes After Becoming Citizen, Lists 4 Things Foreigners Must Do

Australia Explains What Comes After Becoming Citizen, Lists 4 Things Foreigners Must Do

  • The Australian government has published the civic duties every foreign-born national must take on after becoming a citizen
  • The list covers four key obligations, ranging from voting in elections to defending the country if the need arises
  • Australia's citizenship responsibilities apply to all naturalised citizens, regardless of where they were born

The Australian government has outlined four core responsibilities that every person must take on after obtaining citizenship.

According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, becoming an Australian citizen is not only about rights and privileges. It also comes with a set of legal and civic obligations that apply to all naturalised citizens.

The Australian government has shared what foreigners must do after becoming a citizen
The Australian government mentions 4 things every foreigner must do after becoming a citizen. Photo credit: Getty Images
Source: UGC

4 things every new Australian citizen must do

The government listed the following as mandatory responsibilities for all Australian citizens:

1. Every citizen must obey Australian law.

This applies without exception to anyone who holds the country's citizenship, regardless of their background or country of origin.

Read also

New Zealand lists 7 benefits foreigners enjoy when they become citizens

2. Citizens are required to vote in federal and state or territory elections, as well as in referendums.

Voting is not optional in Australia. It is compulsory, and failure to vote without a valid reason can result in a fine.

3. Citizens must be prepared to defend Australia should the need ever arise.

This obligation reflects the expectation that citizens share in the collective responsibility of protecting the nation.

4. Australians must serve on jury duty if called upon to do so.

Jury service is a foundational part of the country's legal system, and citizens are expected to participate when selected.

What Australian citizenship means for foreigners

For the many Africans who aspire to migrate to and eventually settle in Australia, understanding these obligations forms a critical part of the naturalisation process.

Australia has long been a destination for skilled migrants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and other parts of the continent, many of whom are drawn by its strong economy, healthcare system, and quality of life.

Read also

Australia announces 5 things permanent residents cannot do until they become citizens

Australia shares how foreigners can find jobs

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Australia launched a dedicated website where foreigners can explore job opportunities and move to the country with their families.

The platform walks applicants through the steps needed to find a suitable occupation that matches their skills and qualifications.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Oluwadara Adebisi avatar

Oluwadara Adebisi (Human Interest Editor) Adebisi Oluwadara is a Human Interest Editor who joined Legit.ng in January 2026. He has over seven years of experience in press release writing and journalism. He graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in Food Science and Technology. However, he was mentored in journalism and became a certified journalist after completing the Google News Initiative courses in Advanced Digital Reporting and Fighting Misinformation. He can be reached at oluwadara.adebisi@corp.legit.ng

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