British Asian

British Asian

British Asians are British citizens who descended from mainly South Asia, also known as South Asians in the United Kingdom. In British English usage, the term 'Asian' usually excludes East Asians (see East Asians in the United Kingdom).

Prior to the formation of the United Kingdom, immigration of South Asian people to England began with the arrival of the East India Company to the Indian subcontinent. This continued during the British Raj and increased in volume after the independence of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka from British rule, chiefly for education and economic pursuits. A major influx of South Asian immigrants, mostly of Indian and Pakistani origin, also took place following the expulsion of Indian communities (then holders of British passports) from Uganda and other East African nations (see Asians in Africa).