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Development of Australian immigration policy – memorandum with timeline
DEVELOPMENT OF AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION [underlined.]
1901 Immigration Restriction Act [underlined.]
- Concept of the policy was the exclusion of non-Europeans.
- Between 1901 and 1939, isolated changes were made.
1904 [underlined.]
1912 [underlined.]
- Agreement with Japan
- " " [Agreement with] China
both these agreements allowed the entry into Australia of merchants and their families, of Asian business assistants and students.
1918 [underlined.]
- Indians resident in Australia were permitted to introduce their wives and minor children for residence.
Since the end of the War, 1945, changes have been made more frequently.
1947 [underlined.]
- Non-European businessmen admitted for business reasons and who had resided in Australia continuously for a period of 15 years, could be permitted to remain without applying for periodical extensions of permits.
1952 [underlined.]
- Japanese wives of Australian servicemen were initially admitted under 5-year permits.
1956 [underlined.]
- Conditions of entry and stay for non-Europeans and persons of mixed descent were modified:
(a) persons already allowed to remain in Australia without getting periodical extensions should be eligible for naturalisation;
(b) certain non-Europeans, expected to leave the country, should be allowed to stay for humanitarian reasons;
(c) distinguished and highly-qualified non-Europeans should be admitted indefinitely;
(d) conditions for the admission of persons of mixed descent should be clarified and eased.
1956 [underlined.]
- Non-European spouses of Australian citizens should be eligible for naturalization irrespective of period of residence in Australia.
1957 [underlined.]
- Other non-Europeans on temporary residence should be eligible for naturalization after 15 years in Australia.
1958 Migration Act [underlined.]
- (a) abolished the old and offensive dictation test;
- (b) cleared away a tangle of 50 years' amendments;
- (c) introduced system of entry permits;
- (d) established deportation conditions.
[Page] 2.
1959 [underlined.]
- Unmarried minor children as well as non-European spouses of Australian citizens could be introduced for residence and be eligible for naturalization. [Handwritten at right margin; '84'.]
1960 [underlined.]
- The 1959 provision was extended to British subjects already resident or about to become resident in Australia.
1964 [underlined.]
- Position of persons of mixed descent was made still easier.
1966 Act. [underlined.] [Handwritten note in left margin with an arrow drawn to the word 'Act.' reads; 'Policy [word underlined] change?'.]
- (a) reduced qualifying period for citizenship from 15 to 5 years for non-European permittees on indefinite stay or permanent residence;
- (b) non-Europeans granted entry as settlers if their qualifications and their ability to integrate were suitable;
- (c) mixed race admitted after consideration of –
(i) relatives in Australia;
(ii) skills;
(iii) present circumstances and hardships.
Temporary Entry for Non-Europeans: [underlined.]
(a) Tourists: usually 6 months and extended 6 months;
(b) Students: for period of instruction;
(c) Business executives with dependants: up to 4 years;
(d) Also for medical treatment, for religious training, as sportsmen and as entertainers.
