The majority of refugees arrive through one of Australia's resettlement schemes. This means that they may have already spent several months or even years in a refugee camp overseas. At present, the majority of humanitarian entrants come from the former Yugoslavia, the Middle East and Africa, Australia's priority resettlement regions. Refugees undergo thorough medical examinations, the same as those required of migrants. These examinations are conducted by qualified physicians and radiologists who are approved by the Australian government.
Boat people make up a tiny proportion of people who enter Australia each year.
A further 98 babies were born to this group in Australia, bringing the total number to 10,254 people. Since 1998 there has been an increase in the number of people arriving by boat, many in organised groups. All people who arrive unlawfully are held in detention until their status is resolved. The 4,174 people who came by boat in 1999-00 stand in contrast to the 53,000 people illegally in the community after overstaying their visas. Given that mainland Australia shares no land border with any other country, and is a long way from most major conflicts, it is unlikely that it will ever have to deal with the numbers of refugees that some countries face.