Indians have officially become the largest migrant community in Australia, overtaking people born in the United Kingdom for the first time in the country’s recorded history. The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reflect a major demographic shift driven by decades of sustained migration from South Asia. The change highlights how Australia’s population composition has steadily diversified over recent years. It also signals a long-term transition away from traditional European migration sources.

According to the ABS data, around 971,020 residents in Australia were born in India, accounting for approximately 5.2% of the total population. This figure has now slightly exceeded the 970,950 residents born in England, marking a symbolic reversal of long-standing migration trends. The number of England-born residents has gradually declined from over one million in 2013, reflecting reduced migration flows from the UK over time. Meanwhile, migration from India has increased steadily, driven by education, skilled employment opportunities, and family reunification pathways.

Other major migrant communities include those born in China and New Zealand, further illustrating Australia’s diverse immigration profile. Around 732,000 residents were born in China, making it the third-largest group, while approximately 638,000 were born in New Zealand. These populations have grown at different rates depending on labour market demand, regional agreements, and education-driven migration. The data shows that Australia’s migrant intake is no longer dominated by a single region but is instead broadly distributed across Asia and the Asia-Pacific.

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Migration continues to play a central role in the economic structure of Australia, supporting workforce growth and helping the country avoid recessions for decades, except during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ABS noted that international border closures in 2021 temporarily reduced population growth, but migration rebounded strongly afterward. By 2025, the proportion of overseas-born residents had increased to 32%, compared to 29.5% in 2022. This sustained rise underscores the country’s reliance on migration to fill labour shortages and support economic expansion.

At the same time, rising immigration has become a politically sensitive issue, particularly amid worsening housing affordability challenges. Australia is currently facing one of its most severe housing shortages in recent history, with demand outpacing supply in major cities. This has fueled public debate over migration levels and contributed to the growing visibility of anti-immigration political voices. Groups such as the One Nation party, led by Pauline Hanson, have gained attention by advocating stricter immigration controls, turning the issue into a key point of national political discussion.

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