Programs & Projects

Migration and Border Policy

Migration and Border Policy

In 2016 and 2017 the Lowy Institute conducted a significant research project to produce independent research and analysis on the challenges and opportunities raised by the movement of people and goods across Australia’s borders. An important goal of the research was to put Australia’s experiences in a broader regional and global context.

The Migration and Border Policy Project included workshops and roundtables which bring together external experts and government officials in an effort to build genuinely strategic approaches to complex migration and border issues. It also included annual Border Policy Research Fellowships in which an officer of the then Department of Immigration and Border Protection undert­ook research on migration and border policy issues at the Lowy Institute.

The Project was supported by the Australian Government’s then Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Experts
Latest publications
News and media
Nonresident Fellow, Migration and Border Policy Project
Labour migration as complementary pathways for refugees in the Asia-Pacific
Reports
Labour migration as complementary pathways for refugees in the Asia-Pacific
This working paper examines whether legal labour migration schemes can be opened to humanitarian migrants who may otherwise become targets for migrant smugglers. Jay Song
Comparative international approaches to establishing identity in undocumented asylum seekers
Reports
Comparative international approaches to establishing identity in undocumented asylum seekers
This working paper looks at international practices for establishing identity in undocumented asylum seekers and argues there is scope for Australia and its regional partners to…
Heading north, staying north? The increasing importance of international migrants to northern and remote Australia
Reports
Heading north, staying north? The increasing importance of international migrants to northern and remote Australia
This working paper presents three case examples demonstrating the potential for overseas migration to improve population growth, sustain a skilled labour pool, and grow the…
Migration and border policy links: Stories from Manus, journeys to Europe and more
Migration and border policy links: Stories from Manus, journeys to Europe and more
News Deeply has published a list of the top refugee issues to watch in 2018. The article names the refugee and migration compacts, the migration control policies of wealthy…
Private and community sector initiatives in refugee employment and entrepreneurship
Reports
Private and community sector initiatives in refugee employment and entrepreneurship
This working paper examines two areas for achieving positive settlement outcomes for refugees and in generating refugee employment in Australia and internationally: refugee…
Migration and border policy links: Manus, labour migration and more
Migration and border policy links: Manus, labour migration and more
As a PNG police operation at the Manus Island detention centre continues, the UNHCR Regional Representative in Canberra has urged the Australian government's to…
The fourth industrial revolution and international migration
Reports
The fourth industrial revolution and international migration
This working paper examines the implications of digitalisation for skilled migration in high-income countries such as Australia and outlines key areas for policymakers in relation…
Migration and border policy links: Inside Manus, Gulf state workers, violence against women and more
Migration and border policy links: Inside Manus, Gulf state workers, violence against women and more
The Guardian's Ben Doherty has published a special report from inside the former processing centre on Manus Island. The Council on Foreign Relations has published an…
Migration and border policy links: Manus, stateless minorities, the next steps on Myanmar and more
Migration and border policy links: Manus, stateless minorities, the next steps on Myanmar and more
PNG's Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority has said it may use force if refugees and asylum seekers in the Manus Island processing centre fail to comply…
Migration and border policy links: Manus, climate change, US policy and more
Migration and border policy links: Manus, climate change, US policy and more
As the situation on Manus Island deteriorates, the UNHCR Regional Representative in Canberra has reiterated its call for the Australian government to work with PNG leadership to…