Managing international population movement: is the nation state obsolete?

Some experts argue that increased visitor and student numbers consequent on the globalisation of the world economy make the maintenance of restrictive residency rules in nation-states obsolete. This article tests this proposition against the recent Australian experience with visitors from the People’s Republic of China. The past record has been of high overstay and protection visa claims on the part of these people. This has not been the case in recent years. The policy initiatives contributing to this outcome are examined. The conclusion is that high visitor numbers and restrictive residency rules are not necessarily incompatible in a globalised environment. Copyright. Monash University and the author/s