Lyla Lindsey
Australia has a long history of migration, with people from all over the world choosing to settle in the country over the last two centuries. The first migrants to Australia were the Aboriginal peoples, whose ancestors arrived from Asia over 50,000 years ago. The first migration of non-Indigenous people to the continent took place around 65,000 years later, via the islands of Maritime Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea. European migration to Australia began with the British convict settlement of Sydney Cove in 1788, marking the start of a wave of migration from Europe that would last until the 20th century.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Migration-linked countries | India, China, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Germany, Ireland, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, East Timor, Indochina, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Africa, the Balkans, Somalia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Syria, Iraq |
| Migration types | Permanent settlement, skilled migration, family reunion, temporary visas, working holiday visas, investor visas, humanitarian visas, refugee visas |
| Migration history | Australia has experienced successive waves of immigration since the first migration of humans to the continent around 65,000 years ago. European migration began in 1788 with the British convict settlement of Sydney Cove, followed by waves of migration from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and other European countries. The Gold Rush era beginning in 1851 attracted migrants from China, the United States, and other countries. Australia has also accepted refugees and asylum seekers from various countries since World War II. |
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What You'll Learn
Migration from India and China
Australia, Canada, and the United States are often described as traditional countries of immigration, as historically, they have encouraged immigration for permanent settlement on a significant scale, which was essential for the countries' founding and development. All three countries have experienced successive waves of immigration over the past few centuries, with each wave characterised by a different predominant country or region of origin.
In 2023-24, the top five countries of birth for overseas migrants to Australia were India, China, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. Analysis over the previous decade shows a steady increase in migrants from India and China before the pandemic. However, for Chinese-born migrants, a decline started from late 2017, well before the pandemic.
Migration from India to Australia
Indian citizens can migrate to Australia on a permanent resident (PR) visa, which allows them to live, study, and work or start a business in the country for five years. Australia is a desirable destination for immigrants due to its welcoming culture, vibrant cities, sunny beaches, and progressive policies. As an English-speaking country, Australia is also easy for Indian immigrants to assimilate into.
Family visas are among the most commonly applied-for permanent visas for those migrating from India to Australia. These visas include options for partners, children, and parents. Skilled work visas are also sought-after, with Australia's strong economy and diverse range of job opportunities attracting highly-skilled professionals from all over the world.
Migration from China to Australia
Chinese citizens have a long history of migrating to Australia, with records showing that about 18 Chinese settlers immigrated before 1848. The earliest known Chinese immigrant to arrive in Sydney was Mak Sai Ying, who became known as John Shying. He was born in Guangzhou (Canton) in 1798 and arrived as a free settler in New South Wales in 1818, purchasing land at Parramatta. In 1829, he was granted a license for a public house, and his descendants became cabinet-makers and undertakers in Sydney.
Today, Chinese citizens can migrate to Australia through various visa programs, including the Family Migration Program and skilled worker visas. The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP), including the Significant Investor Visa (subclass 188), is another option processed in Hong Kong for Chinese residents.
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European migration
The migration of Europeans to Australia proved very disruptive to Indigenous Australians, changing their way of life forever. From the first settlement until the 20th century, migration to Australia was dominated by Europeans, mostly from the United Kingdom, which at the time included Ireland. The colonies promoted migration through various schemes, including the Bounty Immigration Scheme (1835-1841), which boosted emigration from the United Kingdom to New South Wales, and the South Australia Company, which encouraged settlement in South Australia by labourers and skilled migrants. The Gold Rush era, beginning in 1851, led to an enormous expansion in population, including large numbers of British and Irish settlers, followed by smaller numbers of Germans, other Europeans, and Chinese.
In the decades immediately following World War II, Australia received a large wave of immigration from across Europe, with many more immigrants arriving from Southern and Eastern Europe than in previous decades. Between 1947 and 1954, over 170,000 European refugees migrated to Australia under a program negotiated with the International Refugee Organisation. The second wave of post-war immigration arrived in the 1950s and 1960s, consisting of those seeking employment and better living conditions. Since the end of the White Australia policy in 1973, Australia has pursued an official policy of multiculturalism, and there has been a large and continuing wave of immigration from across the world.
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Migration from the UK and Ireland
Australia has historically been a country of immigration, with migration from the UK and Ireland playing a significant role in its history. From the late 18th century onwards, Irish migrants began arriving in Australia, initially as convicts and later as free settlers. Between 1791 and 1867, it is estimated that 40,000 Irish people were transported to Australia, including those who had taken part in various rebellions and skirmishes in Ireland. From 1840 to 1914, 300,000 Irish free settlers arrived, and by 1871, the Irish made up a quarter of all overseas-born residents in Australia.
Irish migration to Australia was driven by several factors. During the 19th century, Ireland experienced extreme population growth, poverty, and vulnerability to crop failure. In contrast, Australia offered high living standards and wages, and there was a demand for labour, especially in primary industries and regions like South Australia. Irish migrants also brought their culture and traditions, with St. Patrick's Day becoming an important expression of Irish identity in Australia.
Migration from the UK has also been significant. From 1860 to 1913, the colonies of Australia actively encouraged migration from the UK through assisted passages. In recent years, the UK has consistently been among the top countries of birth for overseas migrants to Australia. In the 2023-24 financial year, migrant arrivals from the UK increased compared to the previous year, driven by international students, while UK-born departures decreased.
Overall, migration from the UK and Ireland has had a profound impact on Australia's demographic and economic development. It has contributed to cultural exchanges and shaped the country's history, with Irish Australians, in particular, playing a notable role in various areas of Australian society.
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Migration from the South Pacific Islands
Australia has historically encouraged immigration for permanent settlement, which has been essential to the country's founding and development. The country has experienced successive waves of immigration, with each wave characterised by a different predominant country or region of origin.
The first migration of humans to the Australian continent took place around 65,000 years ago via the islands of Maritime Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea as part of the early human migration out of Africa. European migration to Australia began with the British convict settlement of Sydney Cove in 1788. The Bounty Immigration Scheme (1835-1841) boosted emigration from the United Kingdom to New South Wales. The South Australia Company encouraged settlement in South Australia by labourers and skilled migrants. The Gold Rush era, beginning in 1851, led to an enormous expansion in population, including large numbers of British and Irish settlers, followed by smaller numbers of Germans, other Europeans, and Chinese.
In more recent times, the top five countries of birth for overseas migrants to Australia in 2023-24 were India, China, Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. Visa Subclass 444 is granted to New Zealand citizens upon arrival in Australia if they have not already been granted another visa.
In addition to these larger migration flows, there has also been significant migration from the South Pacific Islands to Australia. According to the 2016 Census, there are an estimated 206,000 people with Pacific ancestry living in Australia (not including Maori and Aboriginal). Most live along the Eastern coast, with the highest concentration of Pacific peoples in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. An influx of Pacific Islanders directly from their homelands and via A/NZ has seen their numbers double over the last three census counts.
The Pacific Island nation of Tuvalu is also facing relocation to Australia due to rising sea levels. Studies project that much of its territory could be submerged in the next 25 years, forcing its inhabitants to consider migration as a survival measure. Tuvalu's population of just over 11,000 people is expected to make a valuable contribution to Australian society.
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Australia's humanitarian settlement program
Australia has historically encouraged immigration for permanent settlement, which has been essential to the country's founding and development. In 2023, BCG ranked Australia as the top country for individuals seeking to work and live a high-quality life. The country has a list of skilled occupations that are currently acceptable for immigration.
HSP also provides support with housing, education, training, and employment. For instance, the Adult Migrant English Program offers free English-language courses for eligible migrants from humanitarian, family, and skilled-visa streams. SSI's HSP team works with refugees who are new to Australia to enhance self-reliance with a focus on English language skills, education, and economic participation.
The program also assists refugees in becoming socially and financially independent. Bilingual case workers and volunteers help refugees build confidence through orientation programs. HSP services are available in several locations across NSW, as well as in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, WA, and the ACT.
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Frequently asked questions
India, China, Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
People migrate to Australia for a variety of reasons, including economic opportunities, relief from conflict in their home countries, and religious freedom.
Push factors are adverse conditions in people's home countries that encourage them to migrate. Examples include the two world wars, the Vietnam War, and the Industrial Revolution's social upheavals in 19th-century Britain.
The Special Humanitarian Programme (SHP) is a visa programme that offers protection to people who face substantial discrimination or human rights violations in their home countries.
Historically, the United Kingdom and Ireland have been the dominant sources of migration to Australia. However, in recent decades, India, China, and New Zealand have been among the top countries of birth for migrants arriving in Australia.
