Ten Pound Poms British-Australian
A guest article from Brian Turner

The phrase ‘Ten Pound Poms’ refers to British citizens who migrated to Australia through the Australian government’s Assisted Passage Migration Scheme, which ran from 1945 to 1972. This initiative, introduced in the aftermath of World War II, aimed to bolster Australia’s workforce and boost its population by encouraging British immigration. For just £10, migrants were given one-way passage to Australia on the condition that they remained in the country for at least two years. Those who failed to meet this requirement were required to reimburse the full fare, which amounted to approximately £120 (equivalent to around £7,000 today). The cost of assisted passage gradually increased over the years, reaching £75 before the scheme was finally abolished in 1982. It is estimated that over one million British citizens took advantage of this opportunity to start a new life in Australia.

The Origins of the Term ‘Ten Pound Poms’

The term ‘Pom’, often used to refer to British people in Australia, has long been a subject of debate. One theory suggests that it originated from the acronym ‘POHM’, which stood for ‘Prisoner of His/Her Majesty’—a reference to Britain’s early practice of transporting convicts to Australia in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Another explanation is that it derives from the word ‘pomegranate’, referring to the sunburnt skin of fair-skinned British settlers. Despite its ambiguous origins, the term ‘Pom’ remains in use today, sometimes affectionately but at other times pejoratively. Ten Pound Poms British-Australian

The Experience of the Migrants Ten Pound Poms British-Australian

The promise of a fresh start in a land of sunshine, job opportunities, and affordable housing was enticing for many Britons, particularly in the difficult post-war years. However, the reality of migration was often more challenging than expected. Many arrivals struggled with the intense heat, unfamiliar customs, and feelings of isolation. The Australian government provided basic accommodations in hostels, but these were often overcrowded and offered only minimal facilities, making the transition to life in a new country more difficult.

Despite these challenges, many Ten Pound Poms successfully integrated into Australian society and played a crucial role in shaping modern Australia. They contributed significantly to the nation’s economy and culture, filling vital labor shortages in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and healthcare. Over time, many families chose to remain in Australia permanently, with their children and grandchildren becoming fully assimilated into Australian life. However, a significant number of migrants found it difficult to adjust and returned to the UK—a journey that earned them the nickname ‘Boomerang Poms.’

The Document of Identity in lieu of a Passport Ten Pound Poms British-Australian

Legacy of the Ten Pound Pom Scheme

The impact of the Assisted Passage Migration Scheme continues to be felt today. Many Australian citizens can trace their heritage back to these British migrants, and their influence is evident in Australia’s cultural landscape. The migration wave strengthened the historical ties between the UK and Australia and significantly contributed to Australia’s post-war development.

For some, the Ten Pound Pom experience was a golden ticket to a better life; for others, it was an adventure fraught with unforeseen hardships. Either way, it remains a fascinating chapter in the history of migration, illustrating both the hopes and struggles of those who sought a fresh start in the Land Down Under.

The author’s parents applied to immigrate to Australia under this scheme, but for reasons unknown it didn’t happen.

The BBC released in 2023 a historical drama television series TEN POUND POMS. The story follows a group of Britons, often then referred to as Poms in Australia and New Zealand, departing post-war Britain in 1956 for Australia, having been promised a better house, better job prospects, and a better quality of life.

A passport issued by King George III

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