South Sudan

Immigration History from South Sudan to Victoria

The Sudan-born community although new to Victoria has grown quickly. The Victorian census first recorded Sudan-born residents in 1991, when 184 were counted. By 2001 this number had grown to almost 1000.

Since Sudan gained independence from joint British-Egyptian administration in 1956 it has been ravaged by drought, famine and war. Sudan has seen regular turnover of governments, many of them military regimes controlled by northern Sudanese interests favouring Islamic-oriented policies. Disputes with largely non-Muslim southern Sudanese over access to power and resources have resulted in two extended periods of civil war. Drought, famine, war damage and limited infrastructure in the south have hindered the return of many Sudanese refugees who fled to neighbouring countries. Australia has assisted in resettling some of the worst-affected people from the region.

In July 2011, South Sudan formally obtained independence from The Republic of Sudan. Previous census’ recorded Sudan and South Sudan as a union.

Due to this, historical census data for South Sudan is shared with Sudan.

The 2016 census counted 2,753 Victorians born in South Sudan. The South Sudanese community is supported by the South Sudanese Association of Victoria Inc, who run events and welfare programs to assist new migrants and families living in Victoria.