Dignity, Peace: One Major Migrant Community Reveals Their Motivations for Moving Down Under

Epoch Times

19-05-2025

From job stability to shorter commutes, Indian-Australian families say the Lucky Country is a place for new opportunities, belonging, and dignity.
This is one of the largest and fastest-growing migrant groups in the country with over 916,330 individuals born in India, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Four households in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, and Perth shared with The Epoch Times on their motivations for relocating to Australia—and what convinced them to stay.
Sydney: Chasing Stability and Dignity
Pramesh Saini, 43, lives in Sydney's north-western Castle Hill, and first came to Australia as a student in 2009.
Originally from a small town in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh (72 million population), he chose to stay for the promise of stability and dignity of work.
'No matter what job you do, it pays well in Australia,' he said.
'In India, to afford a good lifestyle, you need multiple degrees, work three times as hard, and even then, it depends on your luck.'
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His wife Anita, who joined him in 2018, said Australia's public health system sealed the deal.
Courtesy of Pramesh Saini
'After each of our [children were born], a caregiver visited our home to check if we were managing well. That level of care was deeply reassuring,' she said of her two daughters.
Saini's family became citizens in 2024 and will now call Australia home forever.
'There is no way we are going back. My girls were born here and they identify themselves as Australians.'
Melbourne: Infrastructure and Public Facilities
IT consultant Priyanka Athalye moved to Australia in 2015, just a year after her first child was born in Pune in the massive state of Maharashtra (110 million population).
Now settled in Vermont South, Melbourne, she says Australia offered what her family was looking for.
'Australia gave us a peaceful, safe life, and looking back after nine years, I'm grateful we chose this country,' she said.
What stood out most was the infrastructure.
'By that, I mean well-maintained roads, expansive green spaces, parks, and natural areas. These things matter when you're raising children.'
She added, 'Compared to Indian cities, it's much less crowded. That alone makes a huge difference in quality of life.'
Courtesy of Priyanka Athalye
Canberra: Government Accountability
In the nation's capital, Manish Jain, 39, a technology consultant, and his wife Prerna have embraced a calmer pace of life after leaving the bustling megacity of New Delhi (30 million) in 2012.
'What I love about Australia is the public sector's accountability. It gives you confidence that systems will work,' Jain said.
Life back in India, he recalled, was 'too fast-paced,' with little time left for family.
Canberra's shorter commutes and slower rhythm give him more time with his two sons.
'Even though we're still busy, it doesn't feel overwhelming. And above all, there's a sense that everyone gets a fair go in Australia.'
Courtesy of Manish Jain
Perth: Work-Life Balance
In Perth's west, event producer Priyanka Singh and her husband Varun Saini made their home on Wellington Street after moving from Vadodara, Gujarat.
As a dual-income couple, Singh said their life in India was dominated by work. Perth offered a welcome reset.
'People say Perth is isolated, but it has everything—top companies, beautiful beaches, lakes, and parks. You get to enjoy nature while having access to opportunities,' she said.
The balance between career and family was what tipped the scale.
'It's the kind of life you dream about—doing fulfilling work without compromising time with loved ones.'
Courtesy of Priyanka Singh
What's Driving the Shift?
Migration from China, once dominant, has declined steadily since 2017, well before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global mobility.
In contrast, Indian migration has surged, fuelled by a mix of opportunity, and a growing middle class looking to find their place in the world.
'The Australia-India Free Trade Agreement has eased migration pathways,' said migration specialist Ramneek Madahar, in an interview with The Epoch Times.
Annathurai Gnanasambandam, director of Visa Help Australia, added, 'India's growing middle class has created a large pool of skilled, ambitious workers. Australia rewards hard work, respects diversity, and offers a high quality of life.'