Is it safe for migrants to step out during 'March for Australia' on August 31?

Ahead of the ‘March for Australia,’ here’s what some community members are saying.

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After a section of Australians has announced a 'March For Australia' on August 31 to protest against what they call 'mass migration', several migrants living in Australia say they may avoid stepping out of their homes due to safety concerns. The protest has raised concerns over migrant safety, with community leaders urging calm amid growing anti-immigration sentiment.

Bhavesh, a migrant from India who works as an Uber driver in Melbourne, told SBS Punjabi that he could lose business due to the protest.

Weekends, he says, are "good business days" for him. This coming weekend, however, he will not be working.

"I am scared for my safety. I do not want to hear any remarks from people. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the protest. It is very scary."

'Attack on multiculturalism'

Amar Singh, migrant from India and founder of Turbans4Australia.

For the humanitarian and founder of Turbans4Australia, Amar Singh, protests like these stem from a place of "misinformation".

Australia is built by migrants. It is humorous to think Australia can function without them.
Amar Singh

He called the March for Australia an "attack on our Australian multicultural society". He, however, cautioned migrants from South Asian heritage as he said that migrants from the sub-continent "look different and might be an easy target."

'If we can protest why can not they?'

Jasbir Singh Saropada

Jasbir Singh Saropada from the Sikh Interfaith Council, urged the community members to "stay alert but unafraid".

"There is no need to fear."

If we can protest, why can't they? In Australia, everyone has the right to express their views, as long as they are doing so lawfully. We have nothing to be scared of.
Jasbir Singh Saropada

"It is the multiple narratives which are creating confusion among communities. But I have full faith in the police. I also think there would not be a lot of support for these protests as a large majority of Australians are either migrants or have at least one parent who was born overseas."

'Result of geopolitical environment'

Migration lawyer, Ajay Bansal Credit: Supplied by Mr Bansal

Migration lawyer Ajay Bansal believes the March for Australia is part of rising anti-immigrant sentiment, which is "growing not just in Australia but across the world."

He also said the recent Federal Elections "politicised migration", which has resulted in rising rifts. However, he still claims Australia is "a peace-loving country that has no place for extremism."

But is it really safe for migrants to move out on August 31? To know more, listen to this podcast:

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