Leslie Massey
Australia is home to a large Indian population, with Indians being the second-largest migrant group in the country. Indian migration to Australia has a long history, dating back to the first British fleet that arrived in 1788, which included Indians as seamen, marines, convicts, and their families. Since then, there have been multiple waves of Indian migration to Australia, with the most recent one being driven by the country's thriving education sector and its demand for skilled professionals. As of 2023, there are over 710,000 Indians living in Australia, and this number is expected to continue rising.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Indian population in Australia as of June 2018 | 592,000 |
| Percentage increase in Indian population in Australia since 2016 | 30% |
| Ranking of Indian population as migrant group in Australia | 2nd largest |
| Ranking of India as a source of new permanent migrants to Australia in 2017-2018 | 1st |
| Percentage of Indian migrants in Australia with a bachelor's degree or higher | 54.6% |
| Ranking of Indian migrants in Australia in terms of educational attainment | 1st |
| Percentage of Indian migrants in Australia who are male | High |
| Cities in Australia with the largest Indian migrant population | Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney |
| Suburbs in Melbourne with a higher concentration of Indians | Docklands, Footscray, Sunshine, Truganina, Tarneit, Pakenham |
| Suburbs in Sydney with a higher concentration of Indians | Parramatta, Harris Park, Westmead |
| Waves of Indian migration to Australia | 1947, 1970s-1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s |
| Reasons for Indian migration to Australia | Education, employment, business opportunities, political stability, family reunion |
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What You'll Learn
Indian students in Australia
Australia is experiencing a new wave of Indian immigrants, and Indian citizens are Australia's biggest source of migrants. Indian migration to Australia is a recent phenomenon compared to other countries. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that there were 592,000 Indians living in Australia as of June 2018, a 30% increase from the 2016 census.
Among this growing Indian population in Australia are over 125,000 Indian students, making them the second-largest cohort of international students in the country. This large number of Indian students in Australia is a result of active recruitment by Australian universities. Many universities have permanent representatives stationed in India and other Asian countries, and some universities have opened campuses in Sydney to cater to foreign students. Canberra University, for example, is estimated to recruit about 500 Indian students each year.
The Australian government has emphasised the strong educational ties between the two nations, and the Australian High Commission in New Delhi has stated that Indian students are welcome and highly valued in Australia. The current student visa approval rate for Indian applicants is approximately 85%, and the Australian government continues to process Indian student visa applications in line with global standards.
The large number of Indian students in Australia has contributed to the availability of Indian services and products, such as Indian nightclubs, cinemas, and shops selling sarees and gold jewellery.
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Indian migration to Australia
Migration from India to Australia has a long history, dating back to the 1800s when Indians first arrived as labourers or servants of British subjects. However, Indian migration to Australia is still a relatively recent phenomenon compared to Indian migration to other parts of the world. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimated that there were 592,000 Indians living in Australia as of June 2018, a 30% increase from the 2016 Census, which recorded 455,389 Indians. Indians are now the second-largest migrant group in Australia, with over 710,000 Indians living there as of 2023.
In the early 1900s, a more diverse range of Indians began to migrate to Australia, but their numbers remained small due to the restrictive Immigration Restriction Act of 1901, which curtailed migration from India. The White Australia policy, enacted in 1973, further limited non-white immigration, including that from India. However, after India gained independence from Britain in 1947, the number of Indian-born Anglo-Western white British citizens emigrating to Australia increased. This was the third wave of Indian migration to Australia, and it included many teachers and doctors.
The abolition of the White Australia policy in the 1970s led to a significant increase in Indian migration, particularly among skilled professionals such as tech workers, doctors, nurses, and academics. In recent years, Australia has also become a popular destination for Indian students, with 70,000 studying in Australian universities and colleges as of 2016. The Australian government has further facilitated this trend by making it easier for students, academics, and professionals to travel and work between the two countries.
Another factor contributing to Indian migration to Australia is the country's strong economy, which offers diverse sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and information technology. Australia's education sector is also a significant drawcard, with many universities actively recruiting full-fee-paying overseas students from India. Additionally, some Indians have been drawn to Australia by the opportunity to run businesses catering to the growing Indian community, such as restaurants, nightclubs, and cinemas.
Indian migration has had a significant impact on Australian society, with supporters arguing that it has brought much-needed multiculturalism and contributed to economic growth. However, there has also been some opposition to Indian migration, with concerns raised about the impact on jobs and resources. Despite these challenges, the Indian community in Australia continues to flourish and play an integral role in shaping the country's future.
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Indian-Australians in politics
The Indian population in Australia has been steadily increasing, with Indian-Australians making significant contributions across various sectors, including politics. As of June 2018, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that there are approximately 592,000 Indians living in Australia, making them the third-largest migrant group. This number has increased by 30% since the 2016 Census, which recorded 455,389 Indians. India has been the biggest source of migrants to Australia since 2016.
Indian-Australians have a notable presence in the political landscape of the country. In the recent New South Wales state election, Indian-Australian MP Daniel Mookhey was elevated to the position of treasurer, becoming the first MP in Australia's history to take the oath on the Bhagavad Gita. Additionally, Pru Car, of Indian origin, became the deputy premier of NSW, and Charishma Kaliyanda became the first Indian-born Australian to be elected to the NSW parliament. These milestones reflect a more modern and diverse Australia.
However, despite these advancements, Indian-Australians continue to face underrepresentation in positions of leadership and power. The 2022 DFAT Diaspora Mapping Report highlights that while Indian-Australians are active across business, politics, and government, they are not adequately represented in senior roles. Australia lags behind countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which have made more significant strides in this regard.
The Indian diaspora in Australia is a dynamic and growing community. The recent bilateral trade agreement between Australia and India, coupled with the rapid expansion of the local Indian population, has further strengthened their presence in the country. As Indian-Australians continue to pursue higher education, excel in various professions, and engage in political life, their influence and impact on Australia's future are undeniable.
It is worth noting that Indian migration to Australia is a relatively recent phenomenon compared to migration to other parts of the world. The first wave of Indian migration to Australia occurred after 1947, when many British and Anglo Indians born in India chose to settle in the country. Subsequent waves of migration brought teachers, doctors, and computer software professionals, contributing to the diverse skills and talents that Indian-Australians bring to their adopted homeland.
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Indian-Australians in business
The Indian population in Australia has increased by 30% in less than 2 years, and as of June 2018, there were an estimated 592,000 Indians living in Australia. This makes Indians the third-largest migrant group in Australia. The migration of Indians to Australia is a relatively recent phenomenon compared to other countries.
Indian-Australians have a long history in business and commerce in Australia. As early as the 1850s, a Hindu Sindhi merchant named Shri Pammull built a family opal trade in Melbourne that continues to this day with his descendants. From the 1860s onwards, Indians, predominantly Sikh, worked as merchants, industrialists, and businessmen throughout outback Australia, acting as 'pioneers of the inland'. Many Indians also worked as hawkers, traversing thousands of kilometres to sell their wares.
In the 20th century, Australia's ''White Australia' policy restricted migration from non-European countries, but this policy was abolished in the 1970s, leading to an influx of Indian professionals, including teachers, doctors, and computer software professionals. The end of the 'White Australia' policy also saw a boom in migration of middle-class skilled professionals, with Indians becoming the largest source of skilled migrants in the 21st century. By 2016, Indians were the most highly educated migrant group in Australia, with 54.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Today, Indian-Australians continue to make significant contributions to the Australian business landscape. Many Indian-Australians hold prominent positions in various sectors, such as technology, finance, and hospitality. Additionally, some have ventured into entrepreneurship, founding their own successful companies. The Australian government has also recognised the importance of the Indian diaspora in boosting trade and investment between the two countries, as evidenced by initiatives like the Australia-India Business Exchange program. Furthermore, the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), which came into force in December 2022, aims to give Australian businesses a competitive advantage in India across multiple sectors.
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Indian-Australians in STEM
The Indian population in Australia has seen a 30% increase in less than 2 years and is currently the third-largest migrant group in the country. In 2018, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimated that there were 592,000 Indians living in Australia. This increase is attributed to the recent wave of Indian migration, which includes engineers, toolmakers, and IT professionals.
Indian-Australians have a long history in the country, with the first Indians arriving alongside British settlers in 1788, including seamen, marines, and convicts. Since then, Indian migration to Australia has progressed from soldiers and sailors in the 18th century to skilled professional migrants in the 21st century.
Indian-Australians have made significant contributions to various STEM fields. In recent years, there has been a notable influx of Indian students pursuing STEM education in Australia. The Australian Government's AIWE Program aims to enhance collaboration between Australia and India in STEM fields while promoting gender equity. As part of this program, five Indian women researchers have been awarded fellowships to collaborate with Australian experts on a range of topics, including climate-resilient crops, rabies control, and sustainable fuel cell technology.
Additionally, six Indian and Sri Lankan-Australian women have been recognised as Superstars of STEM by Science & Technology Australia (STA) for their outstanding contributions to science, technology, maths, and engineering. These women are breaking stereotypes and serving as role models for the next generation of STEM professionals. Among them are Dr Dona Jayakody, a Hearing Clinician Scientist working on hearing health and dementia, and Neelima Kadiyala, an IT Program Manager with extensive industry experience.
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Frequently asked questions
As of June 2022, there were 753,520 people born in India living in Australia.
Approximately 4% of Australia's population is of Indian origin.
Indians are the second-largest migrant group in Australia, after the English.
Some reasons include better pay, better work-life balance, and more opportunities for personal growth and development.
Indians are the largest migrant ethnic group in Melbourne and Adelaide, the fourth-largest group in Brisbane, and the third-largest in Sydney.
