Australia is also on the brink of awarding its one millionth permanent humanitarian visa. This anniversary highlights our country’s longstanding humanitarian traditions as a leader in resettling refugees and other individuals who require protection. Since the close of World War Two, the country has accepted almost 1 million refugees. It has achieved this in part through its privately sponsored refugee and humanitarian program. As of June 2023, the count stands at 998,000 visas, with many advocating for improvements in the country’s approach to asylum seekers.
The Australian humanitarian program primarily consists of two groups: those who apply for protection from outside the country and those who seek refuge upon arrival. Of the total visas granted since 1947, more than 876,851 were granted to non-Australian born applicants. In the five years following World War Two, Australia accepted more than 170,000 European displaced persons. This was a historic first post-war intake for the country.
In subsequent decades, Australia’s humanitarian response evolved. By the end of the 1980s, the annual intake was nearing 22,000. Next, during the 1990s the establishment of a Special Assistance visa began to address the demand generated by conflicts in areas such as the former Yugoslavia, East Timor, Lebanon and Sudan. The other historical example that inspired a strong counter-response was the Vietnam War, leading to the resettlement of some 100,000 refugees over a ten-year period.
Today, Australia has granted 81,183 protection visas to asylum seekers who arrived in Australia by boat. Despite this progress, critics argue that Australia’s offshore processing policy, which has received bipartisan support since 2012, poses challenges for those seeking refuge.
Australia’s asylum policies have faced significant international condemnation. He cautions that the existing policies still perpetuate barriers and make it more difficult to obtain this protection for those who need it most.
“The policy of pushing back asylum seekers at sea has essentially completely shut off access to asylum for people who arrive without authorisation,” – Professor Ghezelbash
As Australia approaches this exciting moment, advocates such as Tahera Nassrat are the wings of the movement, evolving with the culture and the moment. Nassrat was driven out of Afghanistan more than 25 years ago. Today, that same young woman is flourishing in Parramatta, Western Sydney, tax accountant and business coach. Her incredible story is a testimony to the strength of refugees, who make tremendous contributions to Australian life.
“I hear people say ‘oh you’re a refugee, you’re always a burden to the government.’ I’m here, sitting around the same table as you, I’m contributing,” – Ms Nassrat
Looking back on her experiences, Nassrat remembers her own departure from Afghanistan when she worked with Médecins Sans Frontières. She further emphasizes that fear and trauma are inextricably linked to leaving her country.
“I was so scared, of course. Because I’m a woman, and it’s against Taliban belief… I had to leave family, friends, country, memories,” – Ms Nassrat
In addition to individual stories like Nassrat’s, there is a broader conversation about Australia’s role in global refugee protection. In light of these issues, Professor Ghezelbash urges a reconsideration of present policies to strike a new balance between border security and our humanitarian obligations.
“I think we need to reflect on the ways we can better balance the legitimate concerns about border security with providing people access to protection at a broader level,” – Professor Ghezelbash
He further argues that Australia should position itself as a leader in promoting protection rather than establishing deterrent models that have been emulated worldwide.
“Look, I really think it’s a cause for celebration… But also to use this moment to reassess some of our current approaches,” – Professor Ghezelbash
Australia has added a new, standalone special annual intake of 12,000 Syrian and Iraqi refugees to its humanitarian program. This initiative is a direct, timely answer to increased global displacement crises. This initiative illustrates the nation’s ongoing commitment to addressing urgent humanitarian needs despite criticisms regarding its treatment of asylum seekers.
Nassrat is still focused on continuing to help new arrivals, opening up job possibilities and education pathways to further improve their lives. She acknowledges that many refugees carry immense trauma but emphasizes their potential contributions to society.
“We do a lot of employment for refugees… My involvement is to educate,” – Ms Nassrat
As Australia moves closer to this important visa milestone, it serves as an opportunity to reflect on both the achievements and challenges within the country’s refugee and humanitarian landscape.
