Mr Karimi fled Afghanistan as the Taliban rose to power in 1995.

The now-Wallsend resident spent time in "many different countries" before reaching Australia in 2011, where he didn't know anyone or the language.

After becoming a permanent resident in 2013, he was finally reunited with his family in 2017, has since welcomed two more sons and made new friends and a new life.

Wednesday was the culmination of that journey as Mr Karimi became an official citizen alongside 130 other residents from 34 different countries at Civic Theatre.

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It was Newcastle's first face-to-face citizenship ceremony since April last year and second since the pandemic began as the events moved to zoom throughout lockdowns.

Mr Karimi said he was excited to become a citizen and feels very fortunate that he can call Australia home, particularly given the current situation in Afghanistan.

"It's really sad, especially for my people," he said.

"I am lucky. I felt lucky 12 years ago when I first moved to Australia."

The ceremony was also a special moment for Heather Drew, who taught Mr Karimi English when he lived in Mudgee prior to moving to Newcastle.

"I have watched him with all the difficulties he's had settling in Australia, trying really hard to get his family here" she said. "That was a real challenge and seeing how well he's done... he's scrubbed up pretty well today. It's very special.

"I know that there'll be more challenges, but lots more successes. I'm very proud of him."

Newcastle lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was amazing to be able to welcome the new citizens.

"Sometimes it's a really tough journey for citizens and families to get to this point," she said. "It's truly a privilege to be able to be part of conferring Australian citizenship on our new citizens."

Cr Nelmes said every time Newcastle welcomed refugees or new citizens, "we become a stronger city".

"I think it's really important to be part of a community that is inclusive, and respects diversity, but also looks at what an opportunity it is to tap in to those different cultures and backgrounds and experience and skills to really enrich all of our lives," she said.

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