A rich and growing history: Indian migrants in Australia
(Photo credit: Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images. )
A landmark report on Indian migrants in Australia has found the demographic is fast-growing and driven largely by new migrants who are young, educated and engaged.
Researchers from The University of Queensland were commissioned by the Federal Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a snapshot of the latest chapter in the long history of Indian communities in Australia.
Associate Professor Elin Charles-Edwards, Director of UQ’s Queensland Centre for Population Research, said her team’s comprehensive statistical analysis revealed massive growth – as well as continued opportunity for both nations.
Key findings
- Since 2006 there’s been a 3.7-fold increase of Indian migrants to Australia.
- Most first-generation Indian migrants are between 25-44 years old.
- 68 per cent of Indian arrivals since 2006 already have an undergraduate degree or higher.
- 90 per cent of Indian-born migrants live in capital cities but regional areas are seeing rapid growth.
- 85.3 per cent of Indian-born migrants work, compared to an employment rate of 80 per cent for migrants overall.
Dr Charles-Edwards said the analysis showed the Indian migrant community can create a home in Australia quite easily.
“Underpinning this is opportunity, and we’re really starting to see entrepreneurship among members of the Indian diaspora,” Dr Charles-Edwards said.
“Carefully cultivating this, so it’s allowed to grow and develop, will benefit both countries.
“With this diaspora, ties to India aren’t severed and it’s maintaining those connections that will bring our countries closer.”
UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Partnerships) Brett Lovegrove said the report will help shape future engagement between Australia and India.
“This report marks a significant milestone in our understanding of one of Australia’s most dynamic and influential communities,” Mr Lovegrove said.
“By grounding our insights in robust data, it allows us to move beyond anecdotal narratives and truly appreciate the complexity, diversity and contributions of Indian Australians.
“At UQ, we believe meaningful global partnerships begin with understanding – and this report is a testament to that principle.”
Read the report, Understanding Australia's Indian Communities: A Statistical Snapshot.
Collaboration and acknowledgements
The report also involved researchers from Deakin University, Griffith University and the Australian National University.
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