Indians have become Australia’s largest migrant group, overtaking people born in England. The shift marks a major change in Australia’s migration patterns and population structure. Migrants, policymakers, and labour markets are directly affected by this demographic transition.
According to new Australian Bureau of Statistics data, around 971,020 India-born residents now live in Australia. This figure slightly exceeds the number of England-born residents, ending decades of British dominance. As a result, India now ranks as the largest overseas-born community in the country.
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The change reflects a long-term transformation in migration trends across Australia. Migration from India has grown strongly over the past decade, adding hundreds of thousands of residents through skilled and student pathways. Meanwhile, migration from Europe has steadily declined due to ageing populations and lower inflows.
Australia’s migrant population now makes up nearly one-third of total residents, highlighting the country’s dependence on immigration for growth. Experts say this trend supports the labour market and economic expansion. However, it has also intensified concerns about housing pressure and infrastructure capacity in major cities.
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Analysts note that Asian migration is increasingly shaping Australia’s demographic future, replacing older European migration patterns. At the same time, immigration has become a key political issue in domestic debates. Therefore, the shift highlights both economic reliance on migration and rising social and policy challenges.