Tamil Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Tamil is spoken in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the north and east of Sri Lanka, as well as by large communities in Malaysia, Singapore and beyond. Many Sri Lankan Tamils came to Britain during and after the long civil war that began in 1983, while Indian Tamils have arrived as doctors, engineers, students and professionals.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 1,541 residents gave Tamil as their main language; and 643 Birmingham residents described their ethnic group as Tamil. Main language figures leave out the many bilingual residents who use English day to day, so the number who speak the language at home is higher still.

Working for Birmingham

Tamil doctors, nurses, pharmacists and accountants are well represented in Birmingham's professions, and many Tamil families run shops, restaurants and businesses. Tamil students are a growing presence at the city's universities, and graduates are finding work in engineering, finance and technology.

Healthcare, education and the skilled trades are three of the pillars of the city's economy. The NHS is one of Birmingham's biggest employers, its universities teach tens of thousands of students, and there is steady demand for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, decorators and handymen in every neighbourhood, alongside business, transport, hospitality, retail and the city's growing digital and creative industries. People from every background keep these sectors running, and the Tamil community shares in that effort.

Culture and community life

Thai Pongal, the harvest festival held in January, is the highlight of the Tamil year, along with the Tamil New Year in April. Classical Bharatanatyam dance and Carnatic music are taught by teachers across the city, and weekend Tamil schools help children keep the language alive. Dosa, idli and sambar have become Birmingham favourites.

The story of the Tamil community in Birmingham is still being written, by students, workers, parents and pensioners who call the city home. It is a story of hard work, friendship and quiet pride, and Birmingham is richer for it.