𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬

…𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊-𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔

By Yeshi Dolma

As Australia prepares for a weekend of nationwide protests, Bhutanese residents and students are monitoring developments closely, balancing daily routines with caution. The “March for Australia,” scheduled for Sunday, August 31, 2025, has been widely promoted online as a stand against “mass migration” and “political cowardice,” raising concern among authorities and migrant communities.

According to 7NEWS, the movement has gained momentum online, with posts claiming Australia is “sick and tired of migration” and accusing politicians of supporting migrants at taxpayers’ expense. Organizers describe the protests as “peaceful, non-violent and non-aggressive.” In a pre-recorded video, one organizer, Sam, stressed the rallies’ non-confrontational aim. Yet, 7NEWS reported the absence of a single leader, while many supporters were previously active in anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine demonstrations. Some promotions have used AI-generated clips instead of real participants.

Security experts warned that social media algorithms can amplify protest messages rapidly, sometimes drawing inspiration from similar demonstrations abroad, including immigration raids in the United States and anti-migrant rallies in the United Kingdom. While some participants may be motivated by economic concerns, experts cautioned that the online environment’s volatility could trigger flashpoints on the ground.

Initially conceived as a counter to pro-Palestinian rallies on Sydney Harbour Bridge, organizers have publicly rejected associations with far-right groups. Still, with demonstrations planned in every state capital, authorities remain alert.
Australian Capital Territory Policing confirmed awareness of protest activity for a pro-Palestinian rally on Saturday and possible anti-immigration demonstrations on Sunday. Police do not currently expect violence or damage but warned of minor traffic disruptions in areas such as City, Campbell, and Parkes, advising residents to plan accordingly.

The Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Canberra has issued a safety advisory urging citizens to avoid protest sites and prioritize personal safety. Demonstrations are expected in Hobart, Darwin, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, and Adelaide. The embassy’s notice reflects concern over rallies framed online as anti-immigration events.
The Albanese Government has condemned the rallies, stating they “have no place” in Australia. In a joint statement on August 28, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Multicultural Affairs Minister Dr. Anne Aly emphasized safety and inclusion. “There is no place in our country for people who seek to divide and undermine our social cohesion,” said Minister Burke. Dr. Aly added, “Multiculturalism is an integral and valued part of our national identity. We stand with all Australians, no matter where they were born, against those who seek to divide us and intimidate migrant communities.”

For Bhutanese in Australia, the protests have generated caution and reflection. A Bhutanese resident in Perth, who has lived there for over a decade, said, “From my understanding, the protests are not so much against migrants themselves, but rather directed at government policy. Still, I worry that these rallies could deepen divisions within society, leading to unrest that affects both personal and community safety.” He noted that much of the discussion online has focused on Indian migrants, who make up about 10 percent of Australia’s overseas-born population. Indian influencers have also advised their followers to remain indoors during the protests.

Despite these concerns, Bhutanese community groups have been proactive in sharing updates. “Our embassy, local community groups, and education agents have been proactive, sharing updates through social media and advising us to stay vigilant,” said the Perth resident. Many Bhutanese students and residents plan to avoid protest areas, remaining at universities, workplaces, or homes.

While some Bhutanese have faced occasional remarks such as “go back to your country,” most have not experienced direct hostility. Many are taking extra precautions during the protest period by traveling with friends, keeping emergency contacts ready and informing family members of their whereabouts. Community networks and group chats are being used to share real-time updates and safety advice, building a sense of solidarity.

For younger Bhutanese considering studies abroad, the rallies have sparked concern but not changed plans. A recent high school graduate said, “Even though I have heard about the anti-immigration protests in Australia, I am still planning to try for a student visa. I am not overly concerned because my aunt lives there and can guide me. Of course, the news about these rallies is a little worrying, but for me, the limited opportunities here in Bhutan make studying abroad the better choice.”

Another graduate expressed similar views: “I want to build a secure future where I can study and work at the same time. The rallies are on the news, but I feel careful planning and staying away from protest areas will keep me safe. My focus is on my education and career prospects, which are hard to achieve here in Bhutan.”

Some Bhutanese students in Canberra admitted greater anxiety. “I first came across news of the protests on TikTok, and it made me really worried,” one student said. “My biggest concern is that movements like this might eventually lead to tighter restrictions on migrants, making it harder for students like us to come here or bring our dependents. During the protest days, most of us plan to just stay home, because it feels safer to avoid crowded areas. Honestly, I don’t think the Bhutanese community here is very well-informed or united in responding to these kinds of challenges—everyone seems to be figuring it out on their own.”

For Bhutanese families, the rallies raise broader questions of security. A husband whose wife studies in Australia said, “Beyond safety, there is a real worry about facing discrimination, simply because of how we look or speak, and how this tense environment could affect our long-term security or visa conditions. We came here hoping for stability and opportunities, so this uncertainty is unsettling.”

Despite these challenges, Bhutanese communities are emphasizing mutual support. In larger cities, residents check on each other and share information, while in smaller towns awareness depends on direct communication. Across Australia, Bhutanese residents are leaning on one another to manage uncertainty as the protests approach.

The “March for Australia” rallies highlight the complex intersection of social media, political activism, and migrant experiences. While authorities stress peaceful participation and vigilance, the events remain a reminder for migrant communities, including Bhutanese residents, to stay informed, cautious, and united during potentially disruptive times.