MELBOURNE, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Australia's government is seeking amendments to its citizenship law that would fast-track foreign-born athletes into becoming eligible to represent Australia.
The amendments would halve residency requirements from four years to two.
"Elite athletes who have the potential to represent Australia at an international level but need to be citizens to do so have been disadvantaged, along with some specialist professionals including international airline pilots and offshore oil rig workers," Immigration and Citizenship Minister Chris Evans said in a statement on Monday.
"These changes will create a smoother path to citizenship for elite athletes and people in specialist professions and enable Australia to benefit from the talents and skills they bring to our country.
"These changes will lead to more gold medals for Australia at sporting events, as well as providing a real win for the national workforce."
The changes, due to be introduced in parliament next month, would open the door for Australia to naturalise Russian speed skater Tatiana Borodulina in time for the Winter Olympics next February in Vancouver, where she is regarded as a medal chance.
The Russian moved to Australia in 2006.
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