India becomes Australia’s Largest Migrant Group for First Time

India-born residents have overtaken those born in England to become Australia’s largest migrant group, signalling a historic shift in migration patterns and domestic debate.

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics for June 30, 2025, confirmed the narrow but significant change.

The figures show that 971,020 India-born residents now live in Australia, representing 5.2% of the total population.

In comparison, England-born residents stand at 970,950, marking the first time Britain has lost its long-held top position.

The milestone ends more than a century of British dominance in Australia’s migrant profile, reflecting changing global migration dynamics.

Australia’s overseas-born population has reached approximately 8.83 million people, accounting for around 32% of the total population in mid-2025.

This places the country close to its historical peak share of overseas-born residents, underlining its continued reliance on migration.

The shift highlights a broader rebalancing of migration origins, with India leading growth over the past decade.

India-born residents have more than doubled from 449,040 in 2015 to 971,020 in 2025, according to available data.

By contrast, the number of England-born residents has gradually declined from just over one million in 2013.

Other countries continue to shape Australia’s migrant landscape, reflecting wider regional changes beyond a single demographic shift.

China ranks as the third-largest overseas-born group with approximately 732,000 residents, followed by New Zealand at around 638,000.

Countries such as the Philippines and Nepal have also recorded rapid growth, reinforcing a broader shift towards Asian migration sources.

The data shows Australia’s migration mix is increasingly diverse, moving away from its traditional British-centric profile.

This transformation reflects global economic changes and the growing mobility of skilled workers and international students.

Migration has long been central to Australia’s economic success, supporting workforce growth and helping the country avoid prolonged recessions.

However, the latest figures arrive amid rising concern over housing shortages and population pressures across major cities.

Immigration has become a key political issue, with parties and campaign groups debating whether migration levels should be reduced or maintained.

Some argue migration is essential for economic stability, while others link population growth to worsening housing affordability.

The debate has intensified as Australia continues to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Border closures during the pandemic temporarily slowed population growth, but migration has rebounded strongly in recent years.

Recent arrivals have been driven largely by international students and skilled migrants, particularly from India and China.

For many in the South Asian diaspora, the milestone represents growing influence and visibility within Australian society.

At the same time, it underscores the complex challenges that come with rapid population change.

As Australia navigates its future, the data reflects both opportunity and tension in an evolving multicultural landscape.