Ireland As The New Home For Indians

The recent statistics make the Indian population in Ireland as the third largest ethnic minority in the country

. Most of these Indian immigrants live in the Belfast area and regions to the northwest.

The very first Indian immigrants to the country came during the roaring '20's and they came from the northern states of Punjab and Gujarat. The main reason they left the motherland was to avoid communal conflict in the country. As they traveled to Ireland, many found work as salesmen, either in shops or door-to-door sellers of goods such as clothing, beddings and the like. The first formal Indian retail shop was opened in 1943 in Derry and soon many shops started to open up. These include dress shops, tailors and clothing industry shops for the community.

As with all immigrants, a chain process of relatives being petitioned to the country from the sub-continent increased the numbers of Indians to Ireland. The passage though of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act of 1962 changed the system of immigration in the Indian community in the country. Now, the employment voucher system resulted in greater professionalism of Indian immigrants throughout the 1960's and 1970's. Now, the immigration process involves a point system in order to qualify for a work visa to the country.

Nowadays, the Indian professionals in the country work as administrators, accountants, software managers and other positions in many companies in Ireland. The Indian community still maintains its strong ties to the clothing industry as many members of the community still are related to working either in family run businesses, retail outlets and other factories for manufacturing. There has also been an increase in Indian participation in the food and catering businesses in the country.

The Indian profile in Ireland is that of high respect and esteem because they are considered as wealthy. Many Indians in Ireland own their homes, have high rates of employment and above par educational attainment. Many either work in Irish companies or open up their own shops. In statistical numbers, 37% of Indians have a university degree and over 80% own the homes they live in.

Despite their affluence, many Indians still retain their customs and traditions from the motherland. These include large family sizes living under one roof, traditional marriage customs and the discipline and acumen for study and business. All these are a salute to the first Indians that came to Ireland as they continue to live in a foreign land but remaining true to their Indian identity.

by: Bobby Castro

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