The Bahrain-born player took the oath at Melbourne's Federation Square on Tuesday along with 200 others from 44 different countries.
After enduring months of peril, Hakeem al-Araibi says he finally feels safe.
“I am very happy to get citizen. Finally no country, no one can follow me now because I am Australian.”
The 25-year old footballer has participated in a citizenship ceremony in Melbourne presided over by Foreign Minister Marise Payne, along with 200 others from 44 different countries.
Just weeks ago, Hakeem was in a Thai prison, arrested on an erroneously issued Interpol red notice, with his birth country Bahrain seeking his extradition on allegations of vandalism.
But Hakeem says his criticism of FIFA vice president, and Bahraini royal Sheikh Salman al-Khalifa is what really led to his arrest.
Now an Australian citizen, he’s officially out of their reach.
Former Socceroo and SBS chief football analyst Craig Foster, who led the publicity campaign to free Hakeem, said it's a special day.
“Few Australians had to fight so hard to become an Australian citizen. His challenge was more considerable than most, and the look on his face says so much.”
The widely publicised fight to bring him home, won hearts Australia wide.
Hundreds of well-wishers greeted Hakeem at the airport when he arrived home last month.
He says the support he's received from Australia has been overwhelming.
“When Craig Foster met me he says all Australia is waiting for me. I was very excited to come to this country. When I come to the airport it was a big moment for me, I couldn’t believe what I see I’m very grateful.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison couldn’t make the ceremony, but he made time at the Melbourne Commonwealth Offices afterwards to congratulate Hakeem, and present him with a special gift.
“This is a tremendous day that we absolutely welcome you into the Australian family. I had a little badge I was going to give you today, but I’m going to give you mine.”
Removing an Australian flag pin from his own lapel, Mr Morrison affixed it to Hakeem's jacket.
Few new Australians get a congratulations from the Prime Minister, but Foster said Hakeem received no special treatment in getting his citizenship.
“When he came back he was of course famous around Australia and around the world, but nevertheless he had to go through the same steps as everyone else in getting his citizenship certificate, that means he had to sit his test, he got 100%."
Hakeem admitting he was nervous before going in to take the citizenship test.
“I didn't sleep the night of the test. I know all the law now, all the Australian law,” he said.
The footballer now hopes to get back to normal life and training at the Pascoe Vale football club.
But as a new citizen, Craig Foster hopes Hakeem will set his sights at the ultimate Australian dream.
“We all fought for you so hard, it's up to you now. In time you’re going to be eligible to play for Australia and we want to see you pulling on the green and gold,” Foster said.
