‘Fleeing Communism’: Yugoslav and Vietnamese Post-war Migration to Australia and Changes to Immigration Policy

Abstract

White Australia Policy was Australia’s official immigration policy from 1901 until its gradual dismantling after the Second World War. Only persons from selective backgrounds, mostly white and European could migrate to Australia. This chapter investigates major changes to Australia’s post-war immigration policy using a historical analysis of selective case studies in immigration from former Yugoslavia and Vietnam. These two immigration waves have had a significant impact on Australian regulations, apart from adding to the diversity of Australian population. This chapter highlights the importance of maintaining research focus on the Communist and post-Communist countries as they undergo major transformation in the current era of multipolarity. Future migration trends from these states could coincide with a regime change in the former Communist space or a reversal of democracy.