Working With Diversity, Northern Ireland Section 75 Equality Scheme Advice

The first Indians to settle in Northern Ireland arrived in the 1930's. Their trade was door-to-door selling of clothes. Initially this work took place by foot, then progressed to the use of bikes and eventually cars. It was not until the 1950's that Indians began to settle in larger numbers. Initially husbands came over and took up a trade, and once financially established returned to India to bring back their wives and families. These families have settled all over Northern Ireland in Belfast, Derry, Coleraine, Portadown, Magherafelt, Cookstown, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and Omagh. Once families were established in their trade, they would then go on to open clothing shops. These days the Indian community is involved in many different employment arenas, from factory owners, grocery shops, restaurant owners, self-employed businesses and other professional jobs. Although most families are second or third generation, there are some fourth generation families also settled in Northern Ireland.

The Indian Community Centre (ICC) was opened in 1981 in order to meet the social and cultural needs of the community.

Aims:

Background