[Underlined heading:] NON-EUROPEAN IMMIGRATION – RESULTS OF 1966 REVISION OF POLICY

On 9th March, 1966 two decisions of the Government concerning Immigration policy, as it affects non-European people, were announced. The first was that non-European people who were already in Australia, under temporary permits but likely to be here indefinitely, should not have to wait 15 years before applying for resident status and for Australian citizenship, but should be able to apply after five years’ residence. The second was that applications for entry by well qualified people wishing to settle in Australia would be considered on the basis of their suitability as settlers and their possession of qualifications positively useful to Australia.

The results of these decisions have been:-

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during the eighteen months to 30th September, 1967, resident status was granted to 2,297 non-European holders of temporary entry permits (who then became eligible to apply for citizenship).

during the calendar year 1966, 784 were granted Australian citizenship; and during the first nine months of 1967, 1,465 became citizens.

persons having resident status and who are Australian citizens (or are otherwise British subjects) may bring non-European dependants to Australia for residence. During the eighteen months to 30th September, 1967 the entry of 636 dependants was approved.

during the eighteen months to 30th September, 1967, the entry of 160 well qualified persons, with 335 dependants – a total of 495 persons – was approved. (This compared with 58 highly qualified persons with 93 dependants, in 1965). The 160 approved applicants included 38 medical practitioners, 24 engineers, 24 university lecturers and 14 scientists. The other 60 applicants covered 27 other professions and qualifications.

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Under quite separate rules over 18,000 persons of mixed descent have been admitted to Australia since World War II.