Australia, an abode to over 1 million people of Indian origin (born in India and born in Australia with Indian ancestry), has witnessed nationwide anti-immigration protests. As per the census of 2021, there are about 9,76,000 people in Australia that trace their ancestral roots to India. The protests have emerged in response to the recently growing anti-immigrant wave in Western countries. Primarily focused around racist and ethno-nationalist sentiments.
On August 31, 2025, cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and others observed major coordinated protests and counteractions. The demonstrations were framed to raise concerns of high migration levels, infrastructural strain and threatened cultural values. The sentiments became instrumental for far-right groups. Which aptly mobilised the significant chunk of the population. In essence, the racial and ideological motivations became the main drivers of this anti-immigrant wave.
March for Australia
As per the findings of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the migration level in Australia is at its peak. In which Indians now form the second largest migrant group after the United Kingdom. The findings of ABS (September 2023) suggest that Indian students make up around 1,22,391 of foreign students cohort. This demographic shift has sparked political debates. The banner “MARCH FOR AUSTRALIA” demonstrated signs and slogans like “STOP THE INVASION”, demanding tightened immigration laws. Protestors have drawn comparisons between Indians and early European migrants, citing “More Indians in 5 years than Greeks and Italians in 100.” Indians were accused of taking jobs, putting strains on resources and changing Australian culture. These demonstrations have made Indian parents conscious of their child’s safety. Business models came to a halt. Psychological tensions are rising in an offshoot manner with a significant rise in diasporic engagements and counselling sessions.
The Guardian reported that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed discontent over the extremist tendencies and divisive policy of the protests. Which may lead to systemic erosion of multicultural spirit. He reinforced the fact that migration forms the major component of the Australian economy. Australian diversity is its strength.As per the given data, the education sector in Australia contributed around AUD 47.85 billion to the economy during 2023.
These anti-immigrant rhetorics were not new, but they have now gained political momentum, which ultimately makes them much louder and more effective than before. Violent physical attacks like the one on Charanpreet Singh, a 23-year-old Indian. Where a group of 4-5 men has attacked him in Adelaide and left him with serious injuries and lasting trauma.
The prevalent situation may lead to:-
● Skewed employment and educational opportunities
● Trust erosion and distorted multicultural fabric
● Drained qualified skillsets from the Australian economy
Hereby, this anti-immigration row amidst rising attacks and condemnable slurs targeting the Indian diaspora may lead to a possible interplay of political anxieties and the lived reality of multicultural Australia.
The anti-immigrant rhetoric has also resulted in counteractions like the reinforcement of Indian solidarity. However, it would be a matter of fact how the Australian government strikes a balance between these two contradictions.
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