Leslie Massey
Australia has a large Indian population, with 783,958 people declaring Indian ancestry at the 2021 census, representing 3.1% of the Australian population. Indians are the youngest average age (34 years) and the fastest-growing community in Australia. The new wave of Indian immigrants has been driven by the tech sector, with Australia experiencing high demand for skilled workers. In 2017-18, India was the largest source of new permanent annual migrants to Australia, with 20.5% of visas going to Indians. Indian students form a large part of temporary migrants, with around 70,000 Indian students studying in Australian universities and colleges.
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What You'll Learn
- Indian Australians are one of the largest groups within the Indian diaspora
- Migration of Indians to Australia increased after India's independence in 1947
- Indian students form a large part of temporary migrants to Australia
- Australia's tech sector has a high demand for skilled workers from India
- Indian Australians are the second-largest migrant group in Australia
Indian Australians are one of the largest groups within the Indian diaspora
Indian Australians are Australians of Indian ancestry, including those born in Australia and those born in India or elsewhere in the Indian diaspora. Indian Australians are one of the largest groups within the Indian diaspora, with 783,958 people declaring Indian ancestry in the 2021 census, representing 3.1% of the Australian population. In 2019, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated that 721,050 Australian residents were born in India. Indians are the fastest-growing community in Australia, both in absolute numbers and percentages. In 2017-18, India was the largest source of new permanent annual migrants to Australia, with 20.5% of Australian permanent resident visas going to Indians.
The history of Indian migration to Australia dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, with around 6,500-7,000 Indians in Australia. After India's independence in 1947, a large number of Anglo-Indians migrated to Australia. The next wave of Indian immigration began after 1966, with an influx of teachers, doctors, and other professionals from India. Large numbers of Indian software professionals also began arriving in Australia in the 1980s. Indian students have long been a significant part of temporary migration to Australia, and many are allowed to settle in the country after obtaining their degrees.
Indian Australians are well-integrated into Australian society and are represented in various sectors, including politics, business, and education. They have also contributed to the country's cultural diversity, with Indian language programmes on radio, Indian language schools, and Indian dance schools in all major cities. Additionally, India is Australia's sixth-largest trading partner, with two-way trade valued at $48 billion (AUD) in 2022. The two countries have been working to strengthen their bilateral ties and explore collaborations in various sectors, including education, agriculture, and research.
The Indian community in Australia is diverse, with people of Indian origin belonging to various religious groups, including Buddhists (2.4% of the total population), Hindus (1.9%), and Sikhs (0.5%). Hindi and Punjabi are among the top 10 languages spoken in Australia. The states with the largest number of people nominating Indian ancestry in the 2021 census were New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia.
In conclusion, Indian Australians are one of the largest and fastest-growing groups within the Indian diaspora, contributing significantly to Australia's cultural, social, and economic landscape. With their increasing numbers and strong bilateral ties between the two countries, the Indian community is set to play an even more prominent role in Australia's future.
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Migration of Indians to Australia increased after India's independence in 1947
Indians in Australia form one of the largest groups within the Indian diaspora. According to the 2021 census, 783,958 people declared Indian ancestry, representing 3.1% of the Australian population. In 2019, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated that 721,050 Australian residents were born in India. Indians are the youngest on average (34 years old) and the fastest-growing community in Australia in terms of absolute numbers and percentages.
The migration of Indians to Australia has a long history, dating back to the 18th century when Indian sepoys and lascars (soldiers and sailors) first arrived aboard visiting European ships. In the 19th century, more Indians came as migrant labourers, and in the early 20th century, around 6500-7000 Indians were present in Australia. However, the migration of non-white migrants from India was curtailed by the 1901 Immigration Restriction Act, which was part of the White Australia Policy.
After India gained independence in 1947, a significant increase in the migration of Indians to Australia was observed. This included Indian-born Anglo-Western white British citizens, as well as mixed-race European-Indians such as Anglo-Indians, Dutch Anglo-Indians, and Portuguese Indians. The end of the White Australia Policy in 1973 further contributed to the growing Indian community in Australia, particularly in the state of Victoria.
In recent years, India has become the largest source of skilled migrants to Australia. In 2017-2018, India was the largest source of new permanent annual migrants to Australia, with 20.5% of visas going to Indians. Indians in Australia are highly educated, with 54.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, more than three times the national average. Additionally, Hindi and Punjabi are among the top 10 languages spoken in Australia, and religions of Indian origin, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism, are also well-represented.
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Indian students form a large part of temporary migrants to Australia
Indian students form a large part of the temporary migrants to Australia. In 2017-18, India was the largest source of new permanent annual migrants to Australia, with 33,310 out of 162,417 Australian permanent resident visas going to Indians. Additionally, there were 70,000 Indian students studying in Australian universities and colleges. As of 2016, Indians were the most educated migrant group in Australia, with 54.6% of Indians in Australia holding a bachelor's or higher degree, more than three times the national average.
The number of Indian students in Australia has continued to grow, with approximately 120,000 Indian students in the country as of 2024. This increase in Indian students in Australia can be attributed to several factors, including the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries and the availability of high-quality education in Australia. In 2014, Indian Prime Minister Mr Modi's visit to Australia marked the first visit by an Indian prime minister in nearly three decades. During this visit, the two countries announced a migration deal to facilitate the movement of students, academics, and professionals between the two nations.
Australia's high-quality education system is also a significant factor in attracting Indian students. Australian universities offer a wide range of programs and the opportunity to gain valuable skills that are recognized globally. Additionally, Indian students are allowed to work while studying in Australia, providing them with the chance to gain practical experience and make connections in their field of study.
The large number of Indian students in Australia has had a notable impact on the country's society and economy. Supporters of immigration argue that immigrants from Asian and South Asian countries, including Indian students, bring much-needed multiculturalism to Australian society and contribute to economic growth. However, there have also been tensions and criticisms surrounding Australia's migration policies, with some arguing that immigrants with lower wages take away jobs and stretch resources.
Despite these criticisms, the Indian community in Australia continues to grow and thrive. As of 2021, there were 783,958 persons who declared Indian ancestry, representing 3.1% of the Australian population. The Indian community is the second-largest and fastest-growing overseas group in Australia, with their numbers doubling between 2011 and 2021.
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Australia's tech sector has a high demand for skilled workers from India
Australia has a notable Indian population, with 783,958 people declaring Indian ancestry in the 2021 census, representing 3.1% of the total population. In 2019, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated that 721,050 Australian residents were born in India. Indians are the fastest-growing community in Australia in terms of absolute numbers and percentages. In 2017-18, India was the largest source of new permanent annual migrants to Australia, with 20.5% of visas going to Indians.
The Australian government has implemented initiatives like the Skilled Migration Program to attract skilled workers and address skills shortages. The program includes the Skills in Demand visa, which categorises roles into Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills streams.
The technology sector in Australia is vital to the country's ability to innovate and modernise. Skilled migrants in this sector can contribute to large-scale projects and accelerate the adoption of digital technology. They can also bring fresh perspectives to AI-driven content creation, immersive technologies, and user experience design.
In addition to the technology sector, other industries in Australia with high demand for skilled workers include healthcare, construction, and engineering. Indian professionals with the right skills and experience can find opportunities in these sectors, as well as in business consulting and professional services. Australia's education sector is also booming, creating a need for skilled teachers at all levels.
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Indian Australians are the second-largest migrant group in Australia
Indian Australians are Australians of Indian ancestry. This includes those who are Australian by birth and those born in India or elsewhere in the Indian diaspora. Indian Australians are the second-largest migrant group in Australia, with 783,958 persons declaring Indian ancestry at the 2021 census, representing 3.1% of the Australian population. In 2019, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated that 721,050 Australian residents were born in India. Indians are the fastest-growing community in Australia, both in absolute numbers and percentages.
The history of Indian migration to Australia dates back to the 19th century, with Indian camel drivers, known as "Ghans", transporting goods and mail over the Australian outback before the development of road and rail networks. The number of Indians in Australia has grown and declined over the years, with a significant increase after India's independence in 1947, when a large number of Anglo-Indians migrated to the country. In the 1960s, Indian immigrants began to work in various sectors, and by the 1980s, large numbers of Indian software professionals arrived in Australia.
India is currently Australia's sixth-largest trading partner, and the two countries have been working to strengthen their bilateral ties and explore collaborations in various sectors, including education, agriculture, and research. The Australian government has taken initiatives to support two-way collaboration and upskilling, such as funding the University of Adelaide to lead a project in strengthening India's agriculture sector. Additionally, Indian students form a significant part of temporary migrants in Australia, with approximately 120,000 Indian students in the country.
The Indian community in Australia is diverse and widespread, with associations, organisations, and ethnic publications in all major cities. They have influenced Australian culture and cuisine, with Indian language programmes on radio, Indian language schools, and Indian restaurants in cities like Melbourne. Notable Indian-Australians include politicians like Daniel Mookhey, the first politician of Indian origin to become the treasurer of an Australian state.
In conclusion, Indian Australians are the second-largest migrant group in Australia, and they have made significant contributions to the country's economy, culture, and society. With increasing migration and collaboration between the two countries, the Indian community in Australia is expected to continue growing and thriving.
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Frequently asked questions
3.1% of the Australian population declared Indian ancestry at the 2021 census, which is around 783,958 people. Another source states that 4% of Australia's population is of Indian origin, which is around 976,000 people.
There are around 70,000 Indian students in Australia, according to a 2017-18 report. Another source states that there are 120,000 Indian students in Australia as of 2024.
The new wave of Indian immigration has largely been driven by the tech sector, as the country has a high demand for skilled workers. Australia has also made it easier for students, academics, and professionals to travel and work in India and Australia through a migration deal.
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