“I came here on a student visa because I felt Australia had more to offer — better job opportunities, a cleaner environment, less crime and the chance to earn well,” he told SBS Hindi.
‘A pathway to a better future’
Now planning to make Australia his permanent home, Anil said he often fields questions from friends and relatives back in India about what life is really like Down Under and whether it’s worth making the move.
Anil Kumar shows off his food truck’s visa-themed menu. Credit: SBS Hindi
“It’s (Australia) a great place to settle down, and so migration is a big issue here — visa stress is something many of us deal with,” Anil, who also runs an immigration services, said.
Anil’s food truck dishes out classic Indian street food with a humorous spin — each item named after a visa type familiar to many migrants.
Anil Kumar’s visa-themed menu. Credit: SBS Hindi
The menu features names like “Illegal Samosa,” “Parent Visa Aloo Tikki,” “Spouse Visa Dahi Bhalle,” and “Student Visa Pani Puri.”
“It’s a light-hearted way to reflect many migrant journeys — one plate at a time,” he shared.
Population growth and changing demographics
Of these, 18.6 million were born in Australia, while 8.6 million were born overseas.
Of Australia’s population, 18.6 million were born in Australia, while 8.6 million were born overseas. Source: SIPA USA / Hindustan Times / AAP
As of 2024, people born overseas now make up 31.5 per cent of Australia’s population, up from 30.7 per cent the previous year.
“Those born in India (916,000) made up the second largest group, with a continued increase recorded over the last three years,” it added.
Expert’s view
But the growth of the Indian population isn’t evenly spread across Australia.
Dr Surjeet Dhanji is a researcher at the University of Melbourne. Credit: Supplied by Dr Surjeet Dhanji
“The biggest increase is in Victoria, which now has the largest India-born population, along with strong second and third-generation Indian communities,” Dr Dhanji noted.
“If you look at the new 2025 Migration Strategy, the focus is on international students and skilled migrants who are younger and able to contribute most of their working life to the Australian economy and society.”
The Indian population has been growing steadily in Australia. Credit: AAPIMAGE
In fact, she said, most overseas-born migrants fall in the 24–45 age group, while Australia’s median age continues to rise.
