Indian Diaspora Emerges as UK’s Most Economically Successful Migrant Community — Report
- Ajibade Omolade Chistianah
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
A new research paper has identified the Indian diaspora as the most economically successful migrant group in the United Kingdom, citing strong performance in employment, education, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The findings underscore the long-standing role of Indian migrants in shaping modern Britain’s economy and public services.
The report, unveiled earlier this week at the House of Lords, examines decades of migration from India to the UK and links each phase to key moments in the country’s development. It argues that Indian migrants have consistently filled critical labour gaps while driving growth in high-value sectors.
According to the study, the first major wave of migration followed the Second World War, when Indian workers helped address shortages in manufacturing, public transport, and the newly established National Health Service. Their contribution was described as central to stabilising Britain’s post-war recovery.
A second influx occurred in the 1970s after the expulsion of Asians from Uganda. Many East African Indians settled in the UK and revitalised local economies through small businesses and retail enterprises, particularly in struggling urban centres.
The third wave reflected a shift towards highly skilled professionals, with Indians entering fields such as finance, medicine, engineering, and education. This phase strengthened Britain’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy and expanded its professional workforce.
More recently, migration patterns shaped by Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic have seen Indian professionals play a vital role in healthcare delivery and digital transformation. Indian-born workers now make up an estimated 15 per cent of the UK’s technology workforce, highlighting their growing influence in the sector.
Drawing on labour market and economic data, the report notes that the Indian community records higher-than-average employment rates and educational attainment, alongside a strong culture of entrepreneurship. It adds that Britain’s technology ecosystem ranks behind only the United States and China globally, with Indian talent playing a significant part in that standing.
Commenting on the findings, the authors said the Indian diaspora is deeply embedded in the UK’s growth story, contributing not only to innovation and business but also to public services and bilateral ties with India. The study includes perspectives from politicians, academics, and business leaders across party lines.
The launch event featured discussions on how diaspora-led investment, skills transfer, and cultural influence could continue to shape Britain’s economy in the years ahead, reinforcing the report’s conclusion that Indian migrants remain a cornerstone of the UK’s social and economic fabric.
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