Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that the National Archives' website and collection contain the names, images and voices of people who have died.
Some records include terms and views that are not appropriate today. They reflect the period in which they were created and are not the views of the National Archives.
Letter discounting an 'organised emigration scheme for Mauritians'
My colleague the Minister for Labour and National Service, the Hon. L.H.E. Bury, has passed to me your letter dated 7th December, 1967, in which you asked whether it would be possible for the Australian Government to assist Mauritius through an organised emigration scheme sponsored by your Department.
[Asterisk added in blue ink.] I note, and fully understand, that the objective would be to relieve the problems of over-population which you have so clearly stated.
After very careful consideration I feel bound to say that whatever contribution Australia may make in the future by way of admitting people from Mauritius as settlers could never be so massive as to be in itself a solution of the over-population problems. Our established immigration programmes under which we are receiving 140,000 settlers every year from all over the world would not permit this.
Having regard to the composition of the population of Mauritius, I would like to ensure there is no misunderstanding of Australia’s immigration policy in relation to people of non-European and partly non-European origin.
Following a review of policy early in 1966 the Government decided that applications by Asians and other persons of non-European descent wishing to settle in Australia could be considered individually, on occupational and other grounds. Approval is subject to assessment in each case of the applicant’s ability to integrate readily into the Australian community and their suitability as settlers. The great majority of persons approved under this policy have had professional qualifications.
….2/
[Page] -2-
As to persons of partly European and partly non-European descent, provision exists for approval of applications on a somewhat similar basis but with special consideration of hardships they may be suffering in their countries of residence, the presence of immediate relatives in Australia and the possession of skills which (though not at the professional level) may represent a useful contribution to Australia’s development.
The implementation of these policies has resulted in Australia receiving an increasing number of settlers from Mauritius; and I am sure you will be interested to know that in 1967 the number approved for entry reached 2,600.
I think you will agree that this is a substantial intake from a country of the size of Mauritius.
I shall be watching with close interest the trends in immigration to Australia from Mauritius, in the light of your letter. I would suggest that no formal arrangement of the kind that you suggest is necessary. [Asterisk added in blue ink.]
