As Australia braces for the controversial ‘March for Australia’ this Sunday, uncertainty and fear loom large over migrant communities, particularly among Indians.
The demonstrations, planned across major cities, come amid a surge in anti-immigrant rhetoric and protests, casting doubts over the sense of security in what has long been considered a multicultural society.
Organisers of the march have urged participants to avoid displaying foreign flags, a directive that many immigrants see as unsettling.
The country, home to people from 136 nationalities, now faces an undercurrent of tension as calls for large-scale rallies grow louder.
Veteran journalist Thiruvallam Bhasi said that the Indian diaspora is once again confronting “an atmosphere of anxiety and apprehension.”
He expressed concern over the organisers’ insistence on excluding foreign flags, calling it a “disturbing sign.”
“Sikh community leaders have advised their members to remain indoors during the protests. That call alone speaks volumes about the level of fear gripping migrant families,” Bhasi noted.
For those who cannot avoid stepping out—such as workers—Bhasi stressed the government’s responsibility to guarantee their safety.
“Authorities must demonstrate visible security measures so that immigrants do not feel abandoned,” he said, warning that any failure could erode trust in the system.
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“What is deeply troubling,” Bhasi added, “is that people who have built their lives here and contributed significantly to Australia’s progress now feel unsafe leaving their homes. This climate of fear chips away at the inclusivity that modern Australia prides itself on.”
Smaller protests have already taken place in cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, and Hobart.
With Sunday’s march expected to draw far larger crowds, concerns over possible unrest and the safety of migrants have escalated sharply.
