Lyla Lindsey
Migration from India to Australia has a long history, with Indians currently being the second-largest migrant group in Australia. The migration story can be divided into several phases, starting with early explorers and soldiers in the 18th century, migrant labourers in the 19th century, and the 20th century's hostile policies towards non-white immigrants. The repeal of the White Australia policy in 1973 and the introduction of the Migration Act in 1966 marked a shift, allowing skilled professionals and students to enter the country more easily. In recent years, Australia has seen a significant increase in Indian migration, with Indians topping the source-country list for migrants in 2023-24.
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What You'll Learn
Better job prospects and higher pay
Australia is a desirable destination for Indians due to the availability of better job prospects and higher pay. The country has a strong demand for skilled professionals, including doctors, nurses, human resources and marketing professionals, business managers, IT specialists, and engineers. This demand has attracted many Indian migrants, who often find that their qualifications and expertise are well-aligned with the needs of the Australian job market.
The Australian government's commitment to attracting highly skilled migrants, such as those from India, has resulted in policies that facilitate the migration process for this group. For example, the country operates a points-based immigration system that favours skilled workers. Additionally, the Australian government has signed agreements with India, such as the migration MOU pact in 2023, to make it easier for students, academics, and professionals to travel and work between the two countries. These policies have contributed to the increasing migration of Indians to Australia.
The higher pay in Australia compared to India is another significant factor influencing migration decisions. Many Indian migrants are drawn to the country by the prospect of earning better incomes for their skills and qualifications. The difference in compensation between the two countries can be substantial, providing a strong financial incentive for Indians to seek employment in Australia. This is reflected in the experiences of Indian migrants like Himanshu Raikar, who moved to Australia as a student and later found employment in a government department, benefiting from the higher pay and improved work-life balance that Australia offers.
Furthermore, the large and growing Indian diaspora in Australia, which numbers over 700,000 individuals, plays a crucial role in fostering economic ties between the two countries. This diaspora is highly educated, with 54.6% of Indians in Australia holding a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to their success in the Australian job market. The diaspora's expertise and entrepreneurial spirit have positively impacted Australia's economy, and their presence may also provide a supportive network for new Indian migrants, enhancing their job prospects and overall experience in the country.
In summary, the availability of better job opportunities and higher pay in Australia, coupled with favourable government policies and a thriving Indian diaspora, create a compelling environment for Indians seeking improved economic prospects. This combination of factors has contributed significantly to the increasing migration of Indians to Australia in recent years.
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Australia's diverse culture and food
Australia's culture is becoming increasingly diverse, with more than 50% of Australian residents either born in a different country or having at least one parent who immigrated. Indians are now the dominant migrant group in Australia, and Indian culture is influencing Australian society in many ways. For example, Hindi and Punjabi are among the top 10 languages spoken in Australia, and the number of Hindus in the country rose by 55% between 2016 and 2022.
Indian food is also among the most popular and celebrated cuisines in Australia. Indian restaurants and chefs are experimenting with wine-pairing events that spotlight Indian dishes, such as pairing meen pollichathu (a baked fish recipe from southern India) with Pinot Gris, or serving dal makhani (a slow-cooked, creamy black lentil dish) with a Pinot Noir.
Australia's diverse food scene reflects its diverse population. Restaurants and cafes serve dishes from all over the world, including Italian, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern, and Japanese cuisines. Australia also has its own unique culinary staples, such as Vegemite, a salty spread that is loved by locals and is best enjoyed thinly spread on buttered toast. Tim Tams are another Australian favourite – chocolate biscuits perfect for a sweet treat. Australians also enjoy a good cup of coffee, and the country's cafe culture is renowned globally, with some of the best baristas in the world.
Australia is also a leader in vegan and vegetarian cuisine, with most restaurants and cafes offering plant-based alternatives. Specialty vegan restaurants are common, and takeaway apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash make it easy to have a wide variety of meals delivered to your door.
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Closer security cooperation and trade ties
Australia and India have been strengthening their security cooperation and trade ties in recent years. In 2019, Australia established the Canberra consulate in Kolkata, increasing its diplomatic resources in India. This move has coincided with a rise in Indian migration to Australia, which has become the second-largest source of immigrants to the country.
Historically, the two countries have had a chequered migration history, with Australia's discriminatory ''White Australia' policy limiting non-white immigration from nations like India. This policy was scrapped in 1973, but Australia continued to be selective about the kind of migrants it welcomed, favouring skilled workers. Today, Indians migrating to Australia are often well-educated, with 54.6% having a bachelor's degree or higher, more than three times Australia's national average.
In the early 2000s, Australia and India began to forge a more cooperative defence and security partnership, driven by shared concerns about China's increasing regional dominance. Both countries are part of the Quad grouping, which includes Japan and the United States, aimed at constraining China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Australia and India have participated in joint military exercises and security dialogues, and their leaders have discussed defence and security cooperation during official visits.
In addition to security cooperation, Australia and India have been working to strengthen their economic ties. The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) entered into force in December 2022, reducing tariffs and facilitating trade between the two nations. Australia, seeking to diversify its export markets, views India's market of over 1.4 billion people as an attractive opportunity. Negotiations are also underway for a more comprehensive economic cooperation agreement, building upon the ECTA.
The migration deal signed by the two countries' leaders in 2023 aims to boost Indian student and business travel to Australia, further enhancing the close security cooperation and trade ties between the two nations.
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Increased diplomatic resources and bilateral ties
Australia has seen a significant influx of Indian migrants in recent years, with Indians becoming the second-largest group of overseas-born residents as of 2020, numbering over 721,000. This trend has continued, and as of June 2022, there were approximately 753,520 Indian-born individuals living in Australia, a substantial increase from the previous decade.
This increase in Indian migration to Australia is, in part, a result of increased diplomatic resources and bilateral ties between the two countries. The Australian government has demonstrated a keen interest in attracting highly skilled Indian migrants, with Indian students also contributing significantly to Australia's economy. In 2017-18, India was the largest source of new permanent annual migrants to Australia, and around 70,000 Indian students were studying in Australian educational institutions. The Australian government's focus on skilled migration and its recognition of the economic benefits brought by international students have likely contributed to the growing appeal of Australia for Indians.
The strengthening of bilateral ties between India and Australia has also played a pivotal role in the increase in Indian migration. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, in power in India since 2014, has been instrumental in fostering closer relations. The Australian consulate in Kolkata, established in 2019, stands as a testament to Australia's increased diplomatic resources in India. Additionally, India has become Australia's seventh-biggest trading partner, and the two nations have enhanced their security cooperation.
The migration deal announced during Mr Modi's visit to Australia in 2014, which aimed to facilitate the movement of students, academics, and professionals between the two countries, exemplifies the deepening ties. This deal, along with subsequent discussions between Prime Ministers Albanese and Modi on defence, security, economic cooperation, and bilateral trade, has undoubtedly made Australia a more attractive destination for Indians seeking new opportunities.
Furthermore, the end of the White Australia policy, which previously restricted non-white immigration, has contributed to the rise in Indian migration. The scrapping of this racist law in 1973 opened doors for a broader range of Indian migrants, although Australia's preference for skilled migrants remained. This shift, combined with the increasing diplomatic engagement and economic ties between the two nations, has likely encouraged more Indians to consider Australia as a potential destination for migration, work, and education.
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Better educational opportunities
Australia is a popular destination for Indian immigrants, with Indians now being the dominant migrant group in the country. In 2016, Indians were the highest-educated migrant group in Australia, with 54.6% of Indians in the country holding a bachelor's degree or higher, more than three times Australia's national average.
One of the main reasons Indians migrate to Australia is for better educational opportunities. The Australian education system is considered to be far less exam-based and more focused on well-rounded development, offering access to extracurricular activities and quality schooling. The public school system in Australia is strong, and some of the world's top universities are located in the country. However, international students and migrants may have to pay steep fees for tertiary education.
The Australian education system offers a more relaxed schooling experience and a better conceptual learning environment, which may be easier for students to adjust to compared to the competitive and stressful Indian schooling system. The Australian system also emphasizes maths and science, which are typical Indian priorities. Additionally, Australian qualifications are more widely accepted by the best universities worldwide, increasing the chances of gaining admission to top global institutions.
Australia is also a popular choice for higher education, particularly in fields such as law and medicine. While the United States is still considered the top destination for technology and engineering degrees, Australia offers strong career opportunities in various sectors, including IT and engineering.
The migration policies between the two countries have also played a role in facilitating educational migration. In 2014, the Australian and Indian governments announced a migration deal to make it easier for students, academics, and professionals to travel and work in both countries. This deal has encouraged the exchange of students and academics, promoting Australia as a desirable destination for Indian students seeking international education.
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Frequently asked questions
Indians migrate to Australia for a variety of reasons, including work prospects, education, and the appeal of a diverse culture. Australia is a desirable destination due to its strong economy, high pay, and work-life balance.
Indian migration to Australia has been increasing. As of June 2022, there were over 750,000 people born in India living in Australia, more than double the number recorded in 2012. In 2023-24, India was among the top five countries for migrant departures to Australia.
Indians have a long history of migration to Australia, dating back to the 1800s as labourers or servants. Migration increased in the 1900s, especially after the White Australia policy ended in 1973. In recent years, India has become Australia's second-largest source of immigrants.
The Australian government has generally sought to attract highly skilled Indian migrants to meet labour demands. However, there have been efforts to reduce student visa approvals due to concerns about the exploitation of the international education system.
Indian migrants in Australia may experience cultural and social challenges, including feelings of isolation and the need to adapt to a new culture. Additionally, some Indian migrants face criticism from opposition politicians who argue that they take away jobs and stretch resources.
