News In Diaspora
New Zealand is Set to Introduce a New Citizenship Test for Migrants in The Hecond half of 2027
New Zealand is set to introduce a new citizenship test for migrants in the second half of 2027, marking a significant change to the country’s naturalisation process.
As reported by the Economic Times on Sunday, under the new system, applicants for citizenship by grant will be required to complete an in-person, 20-question multiple-choice exam in English.
To pass, candidates must answer at least 15 questions correctly. The test will assess understanding of New Zealand’s legal system, democratic structures, and civic responsibilities.
The proposed exam will cover topics including the Bill of Rights Act, human rights, voting rights, democratic principles, the structure of government, selected criminal offences, and rules relating to entry and exit from the country.
At present, applicants are only required to sign a declaration confirming they understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Officials say the new test will formalise that expectation with measurable civic knowledge.
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The Minister of Internal Affairs of New Zealand, Brooke van Velden said the reform is intended to ensure new citizens understand the country’s core democratic values.
She said: “People seeking citizenship should understand New Zealanders believe in certain rights, like freedom of speech, or that no one person or group is above the law.”
She added that the purpose of the test is to confirm applicants have a clear understanding of what citizenship involves, saying: “This test ensures people have sufficient knowledge of their responsibilities and privileges before receiving citizenship by grant.”
The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs is currently finalising the structure of the exam, including study guidance and administrative procedures ahead of its planned rollout in 2027.
Officials say the change is aimed at strengthening civic integration and aligning citizenship requirements with a clearer demonstration of knowledge about New Zealand’s democratic system.
Official Announces Arrival of 19,000 Iranian Pilgrims in Land of Revelation
IQNA – The head of Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization announced the arrival of 19,000 Iranian pilgrims to the land of revelation so far. Alireza Rashidian said on Saturday that there is no problem in terms of health and well-being among the pilgrims.
Rashidian, who has just left Medina for Mecca, said regarding the latest conditions of Iranian pilgrims that nearly 9,000 Iranians have been transferred to Mecca and 10,000 are present in Medina..For more, Complete your reading.
Indian police have arrested a Nigerian woman and a taxi driver after allegedly recovering 3.6 kilogrammes of heroin during a special operation near the Goindwal bypass on the Amritsar-Bathinda highway in Tarn Taran.
As reported by the Times of India on Sunday, the suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation carried out by the CIA Staff, Tarn Taran, following a tip-off.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Tarn Taran, Surender Lamba, said the operation was conducted under the supervision of Inspector Rupinderpal Singh.
Lamba said police intercepted a grey taxi near the Goindwal bypass and arrested a woman, simply identified as Bela, “a native of Delta State, Nigeria, currently residing in Delhi,” alongside taxi driver Dalip Kumar of Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
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During a search of the vehicle, police recovered “3.6 kg of heroin,” as well as the taxi, one mobile phone and “Rs 1,500 suspected drug money,” the police chief said.
The SSP alleged that Kumar “was assisting the woman in transporting heroin for financial gain.”
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He further stated that preliminary investigations revealed that Bela was “part of an international drug trafficking network linked to Pakistani smugglers.”
According to Lamba, the suspect allegedly coordinated “heroin consignments smuggled across the India-Pakistan border for supply in Punjab, Delhi and other states.”
“A case has been registered against the accused under Section 21-C of the NDPS Act at City Tarn Taran police station,” he added.
The arrest comes amid a string of recent drug-related cases involving Nigerian nationals in India.
In May 2026, Nigerian national Tochukwu Afame was arrested for allegedly trafficking cocaine concealed inside blood pressure machines, while two other Nigerians were arrested the same month over alleged drug trafficking and immigration violations.
In April 2026, Indian authorities also arrested Samuel Ikkena in Bengaluru over an alleged drug network involving MDMA, heroin and cannabis, while another Nigerian, Jacob Nnabuike Ugwu, was arrested in Delhi for alleged MDMA trafficking.
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