Australia has officially welcomed its one millionth refugee since the conclusion of World War II, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s history of humanitarian efforts. The Department of Home Affairs announced this achievement on Friday, highlighting the impact of Australia’s long-standing commitment to providing refuge to those in need.
The announcement was made via a Facebook post by Home Affairs, stating, “Australia has just granted its one millionth refugee visa since the end of the Second World War.” The post further emphasized the contributions of refugees to Australian society, noting their role in enriching the community, enhancing the social fabric, and bolstering the economy.
The Historical Context of Australia’s Refugee Program
Australia’s humanitarian resettlement program began in 1947, initially welcoming over 170,000 refugees from Eastern Europe within the first five years. This early wave of immigration was driven by both humanitarian concerns and the need for labor to support Australia’s post-war economy.
“It was not a purely humanitarian impulse: Australia needed labour, and thousands of displaced people provided it,”
wrote Daniel Ghezelbash and Jane McAdam from UNSW in The Conversation. They argued that this mutually beneficial arrangement helped transform Australia into a prosperous and multicultural society.
Subsequent decades saw additional waves of refugees from global conflicts, including approximately 100,000 Vietnamese refugees following the Vietnam War, and others from the former Yugoslavia, East Timor, Lebanon, and Sudan. These movements were often supported by proactive governmental policies, such as Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser’s encouragement of humane treatment for Vietnamese asylum seekers in the 1970s.
Current Refugee Policies and Global Challenges
Australia’s refugee program continues to evolve, with the current annual intake set at 20,000 places for 2024-25. This includes a specific allocation of 26,500 places for Afghan nationals between 2021-22 and 2025-26, reflecting the ongoing humanitarian needs in that region.
The global landscape for humanitarian resettlement is increasingly complex, as noted by Home Affairs in a discussion paper on the 2025-26 program.
“The global humanitarian environment is shifting due to several factors, geopolitical repositioning including multiple international crises and the US’ suspension of humanitarian visa and cuts to foreign aid programs,”
the paper stated. It also highlighted the unprecedented demand for resettlement places amid record levels of forced displacement.
Currently, the majority of Australia’s refugee intake comes from the offshore component, prioritizing regions such as the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The government gives precedence to applicants identified as refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and referred for resettlement, as well as immediate family members of refugees already in Australia and members of minority groups.
Reflections on a Milestone and Future Directions
Rebecca Eckart, director of policy and research at the Refugee Council of Australia, emphasized the personal stories behind the one million milestone.
“Today, there’s millions of people who are connected to our humanitarian program, either directly or through their parents, grandparents, or great grandparents. It’s a really momentous time,”
she told SBS earlier this month.
This milestone not only celebrates the past achievements of Australia’s refugee program but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and responsibilities. As global instability continues to drive displacement, Australia faces the task of balancing its humanitarian commitments with practical limitations.
Looking ahead, the Australian government and its partners in the not-for-profit sector will need to navigate these challenges while continuing to provide refuge and support to those in need, ensuring that the legacy of the one millionth refugee is one of hope and opportunity for future generations.
