The Indian community in Australia is over 780,000 stronger, which has increased dramatically since 2016. As people choose to migrate, Indians have surpassed the Chinese to become the world’s largest diaspora in Australia after Brits. Their numbers have continued to rise rapidly over the last few years. Since Indians are the second-largest migrant group in Australia, the country has successfully attracted Indians from the tech sector through Australia PR visa programs. The reason is that Australia has a massive demand for skilled workers in IT, construction, teaching, healthcare, and finance industries.
So, what’s drawing so many Indians to Australia? Let’s talk about it.
Below is a list of some critical factors responsible for an increasing migration to Australia from India.
Australia’s diverse cultural climate
Australia has become a country with changing demographics. Over 50% of Australia’s population is either born overseas or at least has one parent who immigrated to Australia.
In June 2022, a study showed that Indians are now the second-largest immigrant community in Australia after the UK and New Zealand. Indians have also become the fastest-growing community in Australia, making up 2.8% of the total population. In May 2023, Australia welcomed 3, 75, 500 Australia visit visa holders, surpassing the pre-Covid levels.
It’s worth noting that most Indians in Australia prefer to migrate to Queensland and New South Wales. These two states record the highest number of Indian immigrants to Australia.
What makes Australia so much popular among Indians?
While every individual has their own reason to migrate and build a new life in Australia, there are some compelling reasons why Indians are flocking to Australia in huge numbers.
Growing interest in overseas education
As more and more Indians prefer to study overseas, Australia comes first in their mind when choosing a study destination. A range of scholarships, post-study work opportunities, and global degree recognition make Australia a leading destination for Indian students.
What makes Australia a standout destination is its high-quality education and a favorable environment for students. The country runs various permanent residency programs for students who wish to stay back in Australia and prepare for a global career. Moreover, the availability of scholarships and research fellowships appeals to many Indian students seeking financial support for their studies.
Fast-track permanent residency
Australia offers seamless, fast, and flexible immigration programs. It is probably one of the most critical reasons why many Indians, from students to skilled professionals to businesses, want to reside in Australia. Skilled professionals from India can apply for a skilled independent subclass 189 visa, which allows them to move to Australia based on their skills, education, and work experience. The most significant part about this program is that having jobs in Australia for Indians is not mandatory to apply for this stream.
The Australian government also prioritizes visas for people with special skills through the Business Innovation and Investment Program and Global Talent Visa. Students can also apply for a post-study work visa after completing their studies and gain valuable experience.
Thriving job market
Australia is an economic powerhouse, offering many employment opportunities for skilled and talented Indians. Whether you have a skilled visa or a study, the Australian job market has everything for everyone. Many doctors, IT professionals, construction workers, and teachers from India prefer to settle in Australia due to its promising career prospects. It is the most favorable country for anyone seeking an edge in their career.
Apart from the aforementioned, retail, energy, mining, healthcare, and education are currently the most prominent employers actively recruiting Indians in Australia.
Please note that no matter how strong your profile may be, it takes a lot of effort to search for a job in Australia. One must leverage the power of networking, use job portals, and even consult with job agents to land a job in Australia.
Shortage of skilled workers
Australian businesses have been struggling to find qualified workers for various job positions. There are over 120,000 jobs in Australia waiting to be filled, and Indian workers are seen as an essential solution to this shortage. The reason is that Indian migrants are highly qualified but also professional and passionate about establishing themselves in Australia. Besides, Indians are highly connected to their roots and act as a bridge between Australia and India in the social, economic, and cultural realms.
According to a study, around 36% of occupations in Australia will need manpower in 2023, up from 31% in the previous year. Professional occupations in health, engineering, trades, and science roles are the most impacted.
Quality of life
Indian nationals find Australia’s quality of life as the best in the world. The country has better resources, high-end infrastructure, and world-class transportation system, excellent healthcare facilities, followed by high living standards. Australia’s free education system for children is also an important factor that garner the attention of immigrants seeking to build a new life abroad.
Kick-start your process of migration to Australia
The government of Australia runs several immigration programs that allow skilled workers from India to plan their move to the Land Down Under. These programs are part of the General Skilled Migration Program that permits foreign nationals to immigrate to Australia without sponsorship.
The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program comprises three migration streams:
- The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
General skilled migration is one of the most sought-after ways to settle permanently in Australia. It does not require the applicant to have a prior job offer before applying for a PR visa. However, applicants must secure at least 65 points to submit an expression of interest under the General Skilled Migration.