Summary heading

PP513/2 – Alien registration index cards, alphabetical series 

Function and purpose

Under the procedures in force within the date range of the series, when a national of another country or state applied at an overseas post of the Department of Immigration or its representative, a form F300 (or variant) was raised and personal genealogical data of the applicant together with photograph and forwarded to the Department of Immigration, Canberra. At the same time a Form M301 was raised, of which Part 3 was attached to the passport of the applicant. 

On arrival in Australia Form M301 was removed by the Examining Officer and details date, ship, aircraft and port of disembarkation entered thereon and forward to Canberra. At the same time a registration number was allocated from the numerical register of aliens. In Canberra details from Form M301 were transcribed to Form M300 and returned to the state office of the agency where it was filed in lexicographical order.  This procedure was abandoned in 1971 when a centralised ADP/microfilm control system was commenced. 

The series described herein is subdivided into three sections; viz compliers, non-compliers and dead cards. Compliers cards relate to those aliens who followed the residential regulations of the Aliens Act 1947-1959 and conversely the non-compliers designate those aliens who failed to do so.  The dead or non-active cards are records of those persons who departed for overseas, became naturalised or died in Australia. Where a file was raised by the Department locally, the relevant file number reference was noted on the cards.

In 1996/97 it was decided to combine and inter-sort the three sections in straight alphabetical order from A - Z for ease of reference and retrieval.

Also, in May 1997, alien children's registration cards from PP513/8 (one Box) were inter-sorted into this consignment. PP513/8 is now cancelled. 

Related legislation

Aliens Act 1947-1959

Using the series

Cards are held in straight alphabetical order, thus an individual can be identified by their surname via a physical examination of the records. 

Physical characteristics

Subject to further research. 

System of arrangement and control

Subject to further research.   

Relationships with other records

Subject to further research.   

Finding aids

Subject to further research.    

Additional information

The following data was keyed from the paper transfer documentation:

Form number:                           CA 17

Creating department:                 Labour and Immigration, Western Australian Branch

Transferring department:           Labour and Immigration, Western Australia, Registry

Date of transfer:                        25/06/1974

Archives file number:                 RWP28/1/104