What triggered the Ismaili twice-migrant diaspora?

The Ismaili (a subsection of Islam) twice-migrant diaspora from the Indian subcontinent to East Africa, then to the UK, originated in the early 20th century. While some Ismailis had already migrated to East Africa to work, the mass migration of Ismailis took place following encouragement from the Aga Khan, the Ismaili Imam (leader of the Ismaili faith) to migrate, in order for them to take advantage of opportunities that arose following the colonisation of the East African countries of Tanzania (then known as Tanganyika), Uganda, and Kenya. This was complimented by many reasons to leave India, resulting from the oppressive ruling methods employed by the British government which invalidated Indian traditions and culture.

The Ismailis settled in East Africa for a period of around 40 years, from the 1920s to the late-1960s. During this period, some had the opportunity to be educated, others developed thriving businesses, and, most importantly, they established communities where they practiced Ismailism and facilitated intercommunal trading. However, political landscapes changed significantly as East African countries gained independence in the latter half of the 20th century, which led to uncertainties and challenges for Indian Ismailis living in East Africa. This instability, as well as other factors such as a lack of integration and racial discrimination, prompted the Ismailis to seek new opportunities and security elsewhere, which led to a wave of emigration.

The UK emerged as a popular destination for Ismailis. With the East African nations having been British colonies pre-independence, Ismailis living there were entitled to British citizenship, so this meant Ismailis could legally migrate to the UK (though it was restricted between 1962 and 1968). Having lived under British rule in East Africa for so long, migration to the UK offered Ismailis familiarity in terms of British governance, education, and culture, as well as a developing diverse and multicultural society into which Ismailis could integrate.