Opinion | It’s not surprising Indian-Australians feel singled out. They have long been subjected to racism

Despite their increasing numbers and growing political voice, those of Indian origin have long experienced discrimination in Australia

Canberra’s recent travel ban is just the latest example of the ‘subtle racism’ Indian-Australians report feeling in their everyday lives, says Sukhmani Khorana

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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has stood by his decision to ban travel from India, despite warnings and criticism from doctors, human rights groups and the Indian-Australian community. Photo: AAP Image via DPA

Published: 6:00pm, 4 May 2021Updated: 6:00pm, 4 May 2021

In the past five years, the number of overseas-born migrants from India grew more than any other group in Australia, increasing from 449,000 to 721,000. Indian residents leapfrogged New Zealand-born and China-born migrants in the 2020 government figures to rank second in the country, behind only those from England.

Despite their increasing numbers and growing political voice, it appears those of Indian origin still do not matter enough in the mainstream Australian public sphere.

This is most apparent in the recent travel ban imposed by the federal government on flights from coronavirus-ravaged India. Not only are Australian citizens prohibited from entering their own country, they also risk fines of up to A$66,000 (US$51,100) or five years’ jail time if they attempt to do so.

This has stranded 9,000 Australians who have signalled an interest in returning home, including 650 classified as “vulnerable”. Critics have decried the punitive nature of the travel ban as racist.

After attacks, a stronger voice

People of Indian descent have long experienced discrimination and racism in Australia.