Migrant Belonging in Australia Hits New Lows Amid Cohesion Strains: Scanlon 2025 Reports
The Scanlon Foundation Research Institute’s Multiculturalism in Focus – Migrants’ Sense of Belonging Study 2025*, has found that prejudice remains against migrants from India, China, Iraq, Sudan.
The pathbreaking research gains significance in the light of recent anti-immigration rallies, the ideological turmoil in the Liberal party about migration, and the rise of far right One Nation and its diatribes against migration levels.
Former Liberal frontbencher Jacinta Price saying she stands by what she said about Indian migration being used by Labour for votes, has been rebuked by Assistant Multicultural Minister Julian Hill.
The Scanion research (prepared for the Dept. of Home Affairs) shows social and community connections are the strongest drivers of migrants’ sense of belonging in Australia – even as 45 per cent of migrants report experiencing discrimination( including because of faith), more than three times the rate for Australian-born people.
According to the 2021 Census, people born in India represent the largest overseas-born cohort in Australia with a population of about 712,040, followed by people born in China (584,660). About 308,000 people were born in the Philippines. While the numbers of people born in Pakistan (96,170), Iraq (101,020) or Nepal (130,290) are comparatively small, these populations have grown considerably in size over the past two decades.
Among key findings of the Scanlom Foundation research study:
- 71 per cent of longer-term migrants agree they belong in their neighbourhoods, compared with 64 per cent of more recent arrivals.
- 45% of migrants report discrimination (vs 13% of Australian‑born); 51% of migrant
- women vs 12% of Australian‑born women.
- 71 per cent of longer-term migrants agree they belong in their neighbourhoods,
- compared with 64 per cent of more recent arrivals.
- Belonging to Australia is more complex, influenced by factors from legal status to connection with the Australian way of life.
- Workplaces and educational institutions are important places for building cross-cultural connections and relationships with others.
- Migrants are contributing civically to Australia, often through informal volunteering or providing unpaid help to others.
- People from Australia’s fastest-growing migrant communities are significantly more likely to have experienced discrimination than individuals born in Australia.
- Finding skilled work remains a significant challenge for many individuals.
Migrants in Australia, especially those from non-English-speaking backgrounds, report record-low senses of national belonging, according to dual 2025 studies from the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute. The flagship Mapping Social Cohesion survey reveals stark gaps in attachment and rising prejudice, while the companion Multiculturalism in Focus project probes everyday experiences of inclusion.
Belonging Crisis Deepens for Migrants
Only 32% of migrants from non-English-speaking backgrounds feel a “great” sense of belonging in Australia, compared to 49% of Australian-born residents—a gap widened by financial stress and housing woes. Younger migrants and those from Asia or Africa face the sharpest declines, with 45% reporting feelings of “not belonging” or discrimination in the past year. Overall social cohesion holds at an index of 78, but national belonging has slid to 46% from 63% in 2020.
Persistent Prejudice Targets Specific Groups
Prejudice remains entrenched against migrants from Iraq, Sudan, China, and India, with 40% of respondents holding negative views—contrasting sharply with 61% positive sentiments toward UK arrivals. Muslims face 35% negative attitudes (recently rising), alongside upticks for Hindus, Jews, and Sikhs amid global tensions; 40% of Asia/Africa-born migrants report skin color, ethnicity, or religion-based discrimination. Verbal abuse (26%) and job unfairness (27%) hit migrants 2-3 times harder than locals.
Immigration Views and Multicultural Support
51% now see immigration levels as “too high” (up from 49% in 2024), tied to economic pressures rather than anti-migrant bias, yet 83% still affirm multiculturalism enriches Australia. Notably, 67% believe diverse immigrants strengthen the nation, with even 71% of those favouring cuts backing multiculturalism’s value. Neighbourhood ties offer a buffer: strong local networks lift migrant belonging by 65%.
Spotlight on Lived Experiences
Complementing the quantitative data, Multiculturalism in Focus—partnered with Polaron Connect and ANU researchers—gathers migrant voices on daily acceptance, trust, and community ties. It explores generational differences, economic security’s role, and how policy or local services foster (or erode) participation, aiming to inform settlement strategies beyond headline stats.
| Indicator | Australian-Born | Non-English Migrants | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Belonging | 49% | 32% | Financial hardship drags to 33% |
| Discrimination (Past Year) | 10-15% | 40% | Includes exclusion feelings (45%) |
| Negative Attitudes to Group | N/A | 35-40% (e.g., Muslims, Iraqis) | UK migrants: 61% positive |
