Study & Work in Australia: Indian Migrants Now Largest Foreign-Born Population

History Made: Indians Now Largest Migrant Community in Australia

For the first time in modern history, India-born residents have officially become the largest migrant group in Australia, overtaking those born in England. According to the latest data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for 2025-2026, the shift represents a monumental change in the country's demographic fabric, which was traditionally dominated by European migration.

The figures reveal that there are now 971,020 people born in India living in Australia, making up approximately 5.2 per cent of the total population. This narrowly eclipses the English-born population, which stands at 970,950. While the Indian community has seen a surge of over 500,000 residents since 2015, the number of residents born in England has steadily declined from its 2013 peak of over one million.

Breaking Down the Top Migrant Groups

Australia’s total overseas-born population has climbed to 8.8 million, accounting for 32 per cent of the nation's 27.6 million inhabitants. The top five source countries for migrants are currently:

• India: 971,020 (5.2%)
• England: 970,950 (5.2%)
• China: 732,000
• New Zealand: 638,000
• Philippines: 412,530

Other significant growth has been noted in communities from Nepal, Vietnam, and South Africa, highlighting Australia's increasing reliance on skilled labor from the Asia-Pacific region.

A Youthful Demographic Shift

The data highlights a stark difference in age patterns between old and new migrant groups. The median age of India-born residents is 36.1 years, while the China-born population sits at 39.9 years. In contrast, the English-born population is significantly older, with a median age approaching 60 years. This younger Indian workforce is playing a critical role in filling labor shortages across healthcare, IT, and construction sectors.

The Political Debate: Migration vs. Housing

While migration has historically helped Australia avoid economic recessions for over three decades, it has recently become a contentious political issue. The country is currently grappling with its worst housing shortage in a generation, leading to heated debates in the federal parliament.

Political figures and populist parties like One Nation have linked the record-high migration levels to the rising cost of rent and property. However, industry experts argue that migration is actually part of the solution. To meet the government’s ambitious housing targets, Australia desperately needs skilled tradespeople and construction workers, many of whom must be recruited from overseas.

What This Means for Future Indian Aspirants

Despite the political friction, the 2025-26 permanent migration program remains focused on the skilled worker stream, with a planned intake of 185,000. For Indian workers, the message is clear: Australia remains a land of opportunity, but the focus is shifting toward "core skills" that support infrastructure and essential services.

Prospective migrants should keep an eye on evolving visa standards. Recently, there has been a push to increase the age limit for employer-sponsored permanent migration to 55 in certain sectors, which could open even more doors for experienced Indian professionals looking to make Australia their home.