Context for migration flows: 1980–2000

This chapter outlines the social, economic, and policy climate that shaped the decisions and experiences of migrants arriving in Australia from Ireland between 1980 and 2000. For the Republic of Ireland, the 1980s heralded a major economic recession with migrant numbers reaching the second highest level since the Famine. Then, in the mid-1990s, Ireland experienced the unprecedented economic boom of the Celtic Tiger and again returned to a position of net immigration. Northern Ireland’s economic growth was more modest during this period. Between 1994 and 2001, it experienced continuous net migration loss. After 30 years of sectarian violence, the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998. For Australia, the 1980s signalled an immigration era qualitatively different from that of earlier decades. A skills-based points entry system for permanent settlers was introduced in 1979 followed by a ‘points test’ system in 1989. Peak labour demand in Australia coincided with recession-induced out-migration from Ireland, with many of Australia’s major employers engaging in overseas recruitment. The 1990s saw a sustained reduction in permanent settler flows and a dramatic growth in the number of temporary migrants from Ireland entering Australia on Working Holiday Maker visas.