Immigration Laws: January, 2002 - Number #16

The Australian government pledged another A$10 million to the island of Nauru to accommodate 400 more boat people. In addition to this "goodwill money," Australia pays for the Nauruan government's costs to transport, feed and house foreigners seeking to reach Australia by boat. The agreement also guarantees that Australia will ensure that asylum seekers do not remain in Nauru after their refugee status has been determined. Naurau has agreed to accept a maximum of 1,200 asylum seekers at two processing centers at any one time.

Australian authorities used water cannons and tear gas after a second night of rioting at Woomera Detention Center on December 19, 2001. Detainees set 15 buildings on fire, five of which were destroyed. About 300 of the 949 detainees, most Middle Easterners whose asylum applications have been denied, were involved in the riots. There have been eight fire-related incidents at Woomera since November 20.

An asylum seeker being detained on Christmas Island was diagnosed with typhoid. The Human Rights Council has expressed concern about the living conditions for 172 detainees on Christmas Island.

Newly declassified documents show that there was reluctance to end the White Australia Policy. In 1971, Australia's Coalition government was in the process of eliminating the White Australia Policy, noting in a report that "non-European" migration allowed the entry of "valuable qualified people in numbers which are useful and gradually increasing but which represent no contradiction of our aim to preserve an essentially homogenous society." In 1971, non-white citizens in Australia and New Zealand had to obtain prior approval to travel between the two countries, even though white citizens were able to travel freely.

The immigration target was 140,000 in 1971-72 year, including 100,000 assisted settlers who paid $25 each towards their fare of about $350; in 1970-71, the target was 170,000 immigrants.

New Zealand. Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel announced that foreigners whose skills were in short supply in New Zealand could be hired by New Zealand employers without a test of the local labor market. The foreign professionals, who must be paid at least NZ$45,000 a year, will qualify for temporary residency without having to pass the minimum mark under the Immigration Service's point system. After working in New Zealand for two years, talent visa holders would be eligible for permanent residence.