Many of the one million refugees were forced to seek safety outside the countries bordering Iraq, a number of which are hostile to the presence of refugees. Jordan, Turkey and Kuwait have all indicated that they were not prepared to accept an influx of Iraqi refugees, and closed their borders. As a result, many Iraqis looked for refuge further from home. There are currently 4000 Iraqi refugees in Australia on temporary protection visas.
Middle East immigration to Australia remains a highly controversial and much debated issue within Australia today. Australia introduced a program of mandatory detention for asylum seekers. The program has caused deep division within the Australian community. Many asylum seekers are locked away in outback Australia for an indeterminate period of time while an assessment is made about their future, whether it be they are granted visas or deported. Many Australians believe it is in breach of the Convention and represents a downturn in Australia’s proud record on human rights.
As the Prime Minister said in his speech of 4 February, 2003:
'Australia is home to several hundred thousand people of Middle Eastern background. We welcomed them, some of them refugees from Saddam Hussein's brutal regime, and we appreciate their contribution to our nation. Many of them could be torn between seeing Saddam brought to account and the possible dangers facing their families back in Iraq. During this time, they will need our compassion and our support. All Australians should ensure that this is offered.'
In past years Australia has seen the migration of people from all over the world and have come to accept the people and their cultures, intergrating multiculturalism into part of everyday society. This shows Australia as a nation is willing to embrace the new just as they have in past. No doubt the Middle Eastern influence in Australia will become supported once the stigma attatched is dispelled.
