Queensland Senator Pauline Hanson has unveiled One Nation’s hardline immigration policy, vowing to deport 75,000 undocumented migrants and slash immigration by 570,000. The announcement has sparked concerns among Kenyan migrants in Australia, particularly as global deportation efforts such as recent crackdowns in the United States send waves of returnees back to Kenya.
In a media release, Hanson stated that Australia’s immigration system was “broken” and blamed high migration numbers for housing shortages, wage stagnation, and strained public services. She promised immediate deportation for visa overstayers, illegal workers, and those who have committed crimes, with no right to appeal.
Australia has a sizable Kenyan community, many of whom arrived as students or skilled workers. Hanson’s proposed restrictions on student visas banning family sponsorships and closing pathways to permanent residency could significantly impact Kenyan students seeking higher education in Australia. Additionally, her push to curb skilled visa “rorting” may make it harder for Kenyan professionals to secure stable employment.
For those already in Australia on temporary or overstayed visas, Hanson’s strict enforcement policies mean the risk of deportation is higher than ever. The proposal to withdraw Australia from the UN Refugee Convention also raises fears for Kenyan asylum seekers who rely on humanitarian protections.
The Kenyan High Commission in Australia has yet to respond to Hanson’s proposals. However, with the US recently deporting a significant number of undocumented Kenyans, officials in Nairobi are bracing for the possibility of more returnees if Australia follows a similar path.
While One Nation’s immigration stance would require broader political backing to become law, Hanson’s statements highlight a growing push for tighter immigration controls in Australia. Kenyan migrants, particularly students and skilled workers, may need to reconsider their long-term plans as visa rules become more restrictive.
As global migration policies tighten, Kenyan communities in Australia and beyond face increasing uncertainty, with tough choices ahead about their future in the country.
