SBS

Immigration issues

Make sense of Australia’s migration policies, with news reports and interviews about visas, citizenship, passports and more from the SBS News team.

Author

SBS

Category

Government

Podcast website

www.sbs.com.au

Latest episode

Jul 4, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

One Nation came second in the Hunter electorate last election. What do voters there think now? 04.07.2026

Support for One Nation has been on the rise in recent months. But in the electorate of Hunter - a Labor stronghold in New South Wales - the party was the runner up in last year's election, one of only two electorates where that happened. SBS News reporter Kerrin Thomas travelled to Hunter to speak to residents about how they're feeling about the party's latest moves.

Support for multiculturalism is declining. Why is that so? 23.06.2026

A new report by the Lowy Institute reveals support for multiculturalism in Australia has plunged in the past two years. A recent poll has linked a decline in support for both current migration levels and multiculturalism, which coincides with growing fears about economic and social safety. A new report by the Lowy Institute reveals support for multiculturalism in Australia has plunged in the past...

As Australia celebrates one million refugees, some employers are stepping up offering jobs and training 19.06.2026

This week, Australia celebrates the one million refugees who’ve made a home here since the end of World War Two. While some employers are offering new jobs and training, there are also calls to cut the refugee intake and some initiatives are at risk.

NSW’s first Migrant Workers Centre opens in Sydney 21.05.2026

The New South Wales government has unveiled the state's first Migrant Workers Centre to support temporary visa holders. It means migrant workers in Sydney now have a dedicated hub to seek help over work exploitation. It’s backed by $6.5 million in state funding over the next four years to provide workplace, safety and immigration support to vulnerable migrants across the state.

Strong backlash as Angus Taylor unveils Coalition’s controversial immigration policy 14.04.2026

Opposition leader Angus Taylor has outlined the Coalition's new hardline immigration policy. The plan has drawn widespread criticism and strong condemnation from critics, including Labor and human rights groups.

Darwin multicultural walking group connecting migrants one step at a time 11.04.2026

A local program in Darwin is helping refugees and new migrants connect with their community, while building life-long friendships. The walking group may be simple, but organisers say at a time when more people are facing conflict and displacement, the initiative provides a welcome escape.

New website and app to safeguard international students in Australia 25.02.2026

For international students studying in Australia, accessing healthcare is often seen as too expensive - or too confusing to navigate. But a new initiative - designed by international students FOR international students - aims to make services easier to find, while breaking down taboos around sexual and mental health.

‘Are our loved ones alive or not?’ A distressing start to the academic year for these international students 06.02.2026

University students in Australia, including more than 800,000 from overseas, are preparing for a new academic year. However, many from Iran are facing financial hardship while also grieving lives lost during recent protests.

Nationwide protests against ICE sweep across United States 11.01.2026

At least 29 people have been arrested in Minneapolis during ongoing protests over the fatal shooting of a US citizen by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. The killing of Renee Good has sparked demonstrations across the country, while further confrontations with ICE agents have been filmed.

Tensions deepen across the US over fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis 09.01.2026

Tensions between Minnesota and federal officials have deepened over a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer's fatal shooting of a woman in the city of Minneapolis. Protesters have clashed with law enforcement in the city, the day after the US citizen was killed by ICE agents.

Venezuelans in Australia respond as events unfold 05.01.2026

Events in Venezuela have stirred emotion among the Latin American diaspora in Australia. In Sydney and Melbourne, Venezuelans are gathering in streets and community spaces as developments unfold.

'I wish I was a dog in Australia': Muhammad's story as UN probes immigration detention 02.12.2025

Australia's immigration detention regime is under United Nations scrutiny this week. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is examining how the country deprives people of their liberty — from prisons to offshore detention facilities. And for people like Muhammad, who spent six years in detention, this review is one that's long overdue.

INTERVIEW: Associate Professor Bassina Farbenblum 22.11.2025

As thousands of international students prepare to take summer holiday jobs, Associate Professor Bassina Farbenblum, an expert on migrants' rights from the University of New South Wales, warns that more is needed to protect students from wage theft and abuse. She says Australia has a ‘pervasive problem’ with workplace exploitation of international students and those on temporary visas. Dr Farbenblu...

New names added to migration Welcome Wall at National Maritime Museum 22.11.2025

Two panels have been unveiled at Australia's National Maritime Museum to honour a new group of migrant families. Museum Director and CEO Ms Daryl Karp and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke say the Monument is a celebration of the long history of migrants who have shaped modern Australia.

Calls for a better refugee response as Australia approaches one millionth visa milestone 08.11.2025

Australia is set to issue its one millionth permanent humanitarian visa since the end of World War II as early as the end of this year. The milestone has prompted celebration over the immense contribution refugees make to Australia's national story. But refugee rights organisations say it's a pertinent time to consider how Australia can improve its response to mass global displacement.

A rich cultural heritage celebrated in lights: Diwali 18.10.2025

Diwali is the biggest festival in India and many South Asian countries, marking the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. It is celebrated by more than a billion people around the world, including diaspora communities in Australia.

Yazidi refugees in Toowoomba find community through hockey 04.10.2025

The Queensland city of Toowoomba has become home to thousands of Yazidi refugees. A local hockey program is aiming to develop confidence and language skills for this community, with the help of retired locals on the field.

Vital role of translators celebrated amid AI challenge 29.09.2025

It's been eight years since the United Nations first recognised International Translation Day. The celebration falls on 30 September and recognises the work of language professionals who foster cultural understanding, connection and social cohesion. But some translators and interpreters in Australia believe more needs to be done to protect the workforce and bridge language barriers.

Australia's newest citizens welcomed in ceremonies on Australian Citizenship Day 17.09.2025

Thousands are celebrating becoming new Australians, as local councils hosted ceremonies around the country for Australian Citizenship Day. SBS spoke to some of the new citizens.

Hope and hate: how governments around the world are responding to 'illegal' immigration 06.09.2025

Recently, local news headlines have been dominated by stories about anti-immigration rallies which were held across Australia on the last day of August. But it's not just in Australia where migration has created such deep feelings - it's also an issue that has been front and centre in the US as Donald Trump fulfils his election campaign promise to carry out mass deportations. There are now at leas...

How a grandmother's curry tells the story of a family's migration journey 05.09.2025

Making a chicken curry on stage is not what you would usually expect when visiting the theatre. But for actor Joshua Jamil Hinton, it's the centrepiece of his show, due to open in Brisbane this month, telling his story of living between different cultures and grappling with his own identity.

Anti-immigration rallies ignore Australia's economic dependence on migration 05.09.2025

Australia in anti-immigration marches. At the heart of what organisers called the 'March for Australia' rallies was a call to end "mass migration", which protesters claimed is to blame for issues like the housing crisis and rise in cost of living. Experts say a paradox exists in the anti-immigration ideas put forward at these rallies: the very people protesters want fewer of are the ones propping...

Thousands rally against immigration with neo-Nazis taking the spotlight 01.09.2025

A wave of nation-wide anti-immigration rallies have swept Australia's capital cities, with thousands joining marches and clashing with police and counter-protesters across the country. Organisers say the events were calling for an end to what they consider "mass migration" into Australia, while neo-Nazi groups infiltrated a number of the events to stir up chaos.

'An attack on multiculturalism': government's new Nauru deal greeted with alarm 01.09.2025

The Federal Government has struck a $400 million deal with Nauru that it says paves the way for deportation of the so-called NZYQ cohort. The announcement has been met with outrage from advocates, human rights lawyers, and the Greens. Critics say the deal threatens fundamental legal rights in ways that could be applied more broadly.

These Karen women are weaving new lives in Australia but fear for thousands struggling in camps 15.08.2025

As international aid dwindles, refugees worldwide face worsening food insecurity. Among thousands displaced by ongoing conflict in Myanmar, experts warn a humanitarian crisis is looming. Those who’ve found refuge in Australia are working to keep culture alive.

Listen to the Immigration issues podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.