the rights of refugees v the right of economic migrants

• The 1951 Convention establishes the legal rights of refugees and asylum seekers to which signatory states must provide means to have the claim processed, provide protection, follow the principle of non- refoulement and provide refugees with access to the same rights as those afforded to the citizens of that state, including legal representation, education, freedom of religion and movement.
• Australia perceives refugees as a potential threat or even an economic burden for the country, denoted in their off-shore exercise for ‘national security’ benefits. In the short-term, refugees may rely on government assistance and represent a cost, however in the long-term they generate demand for goods, services and create jobs and pay taxes.
• Refugees are desperate and dispossessed and therefore should be allowed entry to host countries ahead of economic migrants who come by choice to better their lives.
• Australia's Migration Program

  • Australia’s emphasis on students and skilled migrants brings many into the country with high levels of education and skill levels, possibly even higher than existing residents. 
• Australian Government Department of Home Affairs

  • The Skilled stream of the Migration Program is designed to attract migrants who make a significant contribution to the Australian economy…skilled migrants have very high participation rates in the workforce, helping to stimulate economic growth, which results in more jobs. 
  • The 2023-2024 outlined how the government planned to accommodate 190,000 migrants into the country. 
  • Conversely, 20,000 refugee and humanitarian visas were due to be issued in the 2023-24 financial year
• • According to the UNHRC, Australia hosts 60,000 refugees and 80,000 asylum seekers, which is a total of 140,000 - making up just 0.50%.
  • Discredits arguments that refugees try to ‘steal’ Australian jobs. 
  • Australia’s refugee intake, despite ranking high in resettlement numbers, isn’t as ‘generous as it appears’. 
  • Australia’s refugee intake is ranked 109th with 35 refugees for every $1 billion of GDP.
• Economic Impact of Migration

  • Australia’s projected population will be 38 million by 2050 and migration will be contributing $1,625 billion to Australia’s GDP.
  • Migration ‘ensure[s] Australia remains a highly skilled nation’. 
  • Increased amounts of earned income stimulate consumption, and in turn economic growth.