World Refugee Day, celebrated each year on June 20, is a day to honour people who have been forced to flee their home to escape conflict or persecution. Refugees seek safety and protection in other countries, hoping to rebuild their lives and contribute to their new communities. However, despite their resilience and determination, refugees often face numerous challenges, including discrimination and misinformation.
In Australia, there are many myths and misconceptions about refugees that persist, fuelled by fear, ignorance, and political rhetoric. These myths can lead to prejudice, discrimination, and a lack of support for refugees in our communities. They can also undermine Australia’s international obligations to protect and support refugees, and its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive society.
On this World Refugee Day, we are exploring and debunking five common myths about refugees in Australia. Our aim is to promote a more accurate and compassionate understanding of refugees and build a more inclusive and welcoming society that values diversity, respects human rights, and recognises the contributions that refugees make to our communities.
Myth 1: Refugees take the jobs of native Australians
One of the most persistent myths about refugees is that they take jobs away from local workers. However, this misconception is far from reality. Refugees face numerous challenges when seeking employment in Australia, and their impact on the job market is minimal.
Many refugees struggle with limited English proficiency, which is a significant barrier to finding work. Research suggests a direct correlation between English language skills, labour market participation rates, and income. Employers often do not recognise work experience gained overseas, requiring applicants to demonstrate similar employment experience in Australia. This catch-22 situation makes it difficult for refugees to secure jobs that allow them to gain local experience.
Another obstacle is the expensive and complex process of having overseas qualifications recognised in Australia. Many refugees have not had the opportunity to obtain qualifications or work experience due to their circumstances, such as living in refugee camps, being detained, or constantly moving in search of safety.
Cultural differences in the workplace also pose challenges. For example, Australian employers expect prospective employees to ‘sell’ themselves and their experience during interviews, which may run counter to the values and norms of some refugee communities that prioritise modesty and humility.
As a result of these barriers, only six percent of refugees find work within six months of arriving in Australia, according to the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
Despite the challenges, refugees are among Australia’s most entrepreneurial migrants, being nearly twice as likely to start businesses compared to the general population, according to the Refugee Council. A report by the Centre for Policy Development (CDP) and Open Political Economy Network (OPEN) found that supporting refugee entrepreneurship could add nearly $1 billion to the Australian economy within ten years. Refugee-owned businesses create jobs for both refugees and locals, as well as increase local and international trade. .
The myth that refugees take jobs away from locals is not supported by evidence. Refugees face significant barriers to employment and have a minimal impact on the job market. However, refugees often have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and supporting refugee entrepreneurship can lead to substantial economic and social benefits for both refugees and the wider community.
Myth 2: Refugees are a security threat
Another common myth about refugees is that they pose a security threat to Australia. This misconception often stems from fear and stereotypes associated with refugees’ countries of origin or religious backgrounds. However, the reality is that refugees undergo rigorous security checks and vetting processes before being granted protection in Australia.
The Australian government has a comprehensive and strict security assessment process for all refugee visa applicants. This includes thorough background checks, biometric data collection, and intelligence assessments. Refugees are screened by multiple security agencies before being granted a visa.
Refugees who are resettled in Australia have often spent years in refugee camps or urban settings, where they have been interviewed, vetted, and assessed by the Australian government. This extensive process ensures that only genuine refugees who meet the criteria for protection are resettled in Australia.
It is important to recognise that refugees are often fleeing violence and persecution themselves. They are seeking safety and protection, not looking to cause harm to others.
A study by the University of Queensland found there is no credible evidence or data to suggest people seeking asylum are a national security risk. The myth that refugees are a security threat is not based on facts.
Myth 3: Refugees should stay in their own countries and fix their problems
One of the most harmful myths about refugees is that they should stay in their own countries and fix their own problems. This misconception fails to recognise the life-threatening circumstances that force refugees to flee their homes and seek safety elsewhere. It also overlooks the responsibility of the international community to protect and support refugees.
Refugees are, by definition, people who have been forced to flee their countries due to persecution, conflict, or violence. They have often experienced traumatic events, such as war, torture, or the loss of loved ones, and face grave dangers if they remain in their home countries. Many refugees have no choice but to leave everything behind and seek protection in other countries, as staying in their own countries would put their lives at risk.
The problems that refugees flee are often complex and deeply entrenched, such as long-standing conflicts, political instability, or systemic discrimination. These issues cannot be easily resolved by individuals or communities alone, and often require international intervention and support.
The international community has a responsibility to protect and support refugees, as enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention and other international human rights treaties. These agreements recognise that refugees have a right to seek asylum and that countries have an obligation to provide them with protection and assistance.
Australia, as a signatory to the Refugee Convention, has a legal and moral obligation to protect refugees who arrive on its shores and to provide them with the support they need to rebuild their lives. This includes access to safe housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, as well as support for their mental health and well-being.
The myth that refugees should stay in their own countries and fix their own problems is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the refugee experience and the responsibility of the international community to protect and support them. Refugees have a right to seek safety and protection, and Australia has a legal and moral obligation to provide them with the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Myth 4: Australia is being swamped by refugees
Another damaging myth about refugees in Australia is that the country is being “swamped” or “overrun” by them. This myth is often perpetuated by sensationalist media coverage and political rhetoric that seeks to stoke fear and division. However, the reality is that Australia receives a relatively small number of refugees compared to other countries, and the number of refugees it accepts is carefully managed through a planned and orderly resettlement program.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there were over 43.4 million refugees worldwide at the end of 2023. Of these, only a small fraction are resettled in third countries like Australia. In fact, Australia’s refugee intake is relatively modest compared to other countries, both in terms of absolute numbers and per capita.
In the 2022 – 2023 year, 17,875 Humanitarian Program visas were granted in Australia, which represented just 0.05% of the country’s total population. Refugees who are resettled in Australia undergo extensive health, security, and character checks before being granted visas, and are provided with support to learn English, find employment, and access education and healthcare.
Refugees make up only a small proportion of Australia’s overall migration intake. In the 2022-2023 financial year, Australia granted a total of 212,879 permanent visas, of which humanitarian entrants made up just 8.4%. The vast majority of migrants to Australia come through skilled and family visa programs, not as refugees.
The myth that Australia is being swamped by refugees is not only false but also damaging. It fuels fear and prejudice towards refugees and can lead to discrimination and social exclusion. It also undermines Australia’s international obligations to protect and support refugees, and its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive society.
Myth 5: Refugees don’t contribute to society
Another common misconception about refugees is that they do not contribute to Australian society. This myth suggests that refugees are a burden on the country and do not give back to the communities that have welcomed them. This could not be further from the truth.
Refugees bring a wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives to Australia, and make significant contributions to the country’s social, cultural, and economic life. Many refugees have gone on to become successful business owners, professionals, and community leaders, and have made valuable contributions to their adopted country. Refugees bring a rich cultural diversity to Australia, and contribute to the country’s vibrant arts, food, and entertainment scenes.
One such example is Hamed Allahyari, a refugee from Iran. Hamed is a chef and cookbook author who has made significant contributions to Melbourne’s culinary scene. He founded the social enterprise Salamatea, and co-wrote the popular cookbook, Salamati which showcases the rich flavours and culinary traditions of Persian cuisine.
Another example is Laila Beigli, a refugee from Iran who arrived in Australia in 2013. Laila is an award-winning artist who has exhibited her work in galleries in New South Wales. Her art reflects her experiences as a refugee and explores themes of identity, belonging, and cultural diversity.
In the fashion industry, fashion designer Maryam Oria has made a name for herself as a designer and founder of the fashion label Sakena the Label. Maryam, who arrived in Australia as a refugee from Afghanistan, uses her platform to celebrate her cultural heritage and promote diversity and inclusion in the fashion world.
These are just a few examples of the many refugees who have made significant contributions to Australian society through their entrepreneurship, creativity, and community leadership. The myth that refugees do not contribute to society is baseless and fails to recognise the many ways in which refugees enrich and strengthen the country.
Globe photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash