IMMIGRATION EASED

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31006, 11 March 1966, Page 11

IMMIGRATION EASED

(N.Z. Press Assn. —Copyright; CANBERRA, Mar. 10. About 5000 Asians in Australia are eligible immediately for citizenship under the Government’s relaxed immigration policy.

But the Minister for Immigration, Mr Hubert Opperman, told the House of Representatives yesterday that the changes, though important, would not depart from the fundamental principles of immigration policy.

More Asians than previously will be admitted, although no annual quota will be imposed. Those eligible for citizenship now comprise less than one-sixth of the 38,400 nonEuropeans already living in Australia. About 16,200 of these are already Australian citizens.

Of the 4200 with resident status, most now qualify for citizenship and another 2000 will also qualify under the

new five-year rule. The remainder is comprised of visitors, Asian students and non-eligible residents. Details Given Mr Opperman gave details of the liberalised policy announced by the Prime Minister, Mr Holt, in his “State of the Nation” address. Mr Opperman said the reduction in waiting time for citizenship for non-Europeans from 15 years to five years would end a situation “often criticised for its effects on individuals and families.” “This does' not, of course, mean that everyone admitted to Australia for limited temporary residence is entitled to stay here indefinitely,” he said. “Every country makes separate provision for temporary entry as distinct from the entry of settlers. “I must emphasise it would be quite wrong and most unfair to the development of countries whence they came, to offer to the 12,000 Asian students in Australia the right to settle here after five years’ study.” Special Needs Mr Opperman said the Government’s primary aim in immigration was a generally integrated and predominantly homogeneous population. “The changes are, of course, not intended to meet general labour shortages or to permit the large-scale admis-

sion of workers from Asia,” he said. “But the widening of eligibility will help to fill some of Australia's special needs.”

Although there would be no annual quota, more Asians than previously would be admitted, but only after a careful assessment of their qualifications, he skid.