The Australian government has promised permanent residency to a French citizen who confronted an attacker with a bollard, with the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese highly praising the foreigner for his bravery.
The French construction worker Damien Guerot was welcomed to stay in Australia as long as he liked, as PM Albanese told reporters that the continent-nation would welcome having him as a citizen. This statement caused confusion, conveying the message that the Frenchmen could now obtain Australian citizenship, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
I say this to Damien Guerot – who is dealing with his visa applications – that you are welcome here, you are welcome to stay for as long as you like. This is someone who we would welcome becoming an Australian citizen, although that would of course be a loss for France.
Anthony Albanese, Australian Prime Minister
However, later on, it was clarified that Guerot was being offered permanent residency in Australia but not citizenship. Guerot, now also known as “bollard man”, gained his nickname after he confronted with a bollard the attacker Joel Cauchi, who had left six people deceased on Saturday.
Why Can’t the Frenchmen Become an Australian Citizen?
Guerot, who was due to have his Australia visa expire in July, cannot be granted Australian citizenship because residency requirements cannot be waived.
Regardless, the promise of permanent residency was more than welcomed by Guerot, who was informed by immigration authorities that permanent residency could soon be granted to him.
I am aware of Mr Guerot’s case and have asked my Department to look into visa options for him. Once again, we thank Mr Guerot as well as other members of the public, our heroic police officers and first responders who have helped protect others from danger.
The procedure to obtain Australian citizenship can be a lengthy process. Foreign nationals must be residents of the country to be eligible for permanent residency. Depending on the type of permit they have, foreigners can become permanent residents in Australia in some year’s time.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, 192,947 people obtained Australian citizenship between 2022 and 2023, with India being the first country of origin (40,361).
The second-largest country of origin for those obtaining Australian citizenship during this period was the United Kingdom (17,303) followed by the Philippines (12,650) and Pakistan (8,513).
