New Zealand Passes Foreign Fighters Legislation to Protect Citizens: PM

New Zealand has passed foreign fighters law to protect the country from growing global terrorism threats.

MOSCOW, December 10 (Sputnik) — New Zealand has passed foreign fighters legislation amid growing international terrorism threats, the country's Prime Minister John Key said.

"The government has a responsibility to protect New Zealanders at home and abroad, and this legislation, passed with the support of a range of political parties, will better enable us to do that," Key was quoted as saying Tuesday on the official website of New Zealand's government.

According to Key, the bill is a response to "the threats faced by New Zealand."

The move comes after is became known that young people from a number of countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria and Australia, have reportedly travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight for Islamic State (IS), a radical jihadist group operating in the region.

The bill was introduced last week and will allow to conduct surveillance on suspected terrorists for 24 hours without any warrant, as well as to access their customs data.

The bill was reportedly passed with 94 votes in favor of the legislation and 27 votes opposing the move.