India Set to Surpass UK as Top Source of Australian Migrants by 2025
Australia's demographic landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with India on track to overtake the United Kingdom as the leading country of origin for overseas-born Australians by 2025. Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics highlights a dramatic increase in the number of India-born residents, which has more than doubled over the past decade to 916,330 as of June 2024. This shift underscores the changing patterns of migration to Australia, where the legacy of the white Australia policy is fading into history.
The rise in India-born migrants is part of a broader trend that sees Australia's overseas-born population reaching an all-time high of 8.58 million, or 31.5% of the total population. The data reveals a nation increasingly defined by its diversity, with significant contributions from China and India, alongside traditional sources like the UK. The proportion of Australians born in China and India has seen notable increases, while those born in England have declined, reflecting the dynamic nature of global migration flows.
Community leaders, such as Vasan Srinivasan of the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria, attribute the growing Indian diaspora in Australia to the country's welcoming attitude and the positive experiences shared by migrants. The student visa system has been a key pathway for many Indians, who then choose to make Australia their permanent home. This trend is mirrored by the Chinese community, which has also reached a record high, signaling Australia's appeal as a destination for migrants from across Asia.
As Australia continues to evolve into a multicultural hub, the stories of its migrants—from India, China, Ireland, and beyond—paint a picture of a society that values diversity and offers opportunities for all. The latest statistics not only reflect the changing face of Australia but also its enduring connections to the global community. With every passing year, the nation's identity becomes more intertwined with the stories of those who have chosen to call it home.
