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In recent years, India has witnessed a concerning trend of its citizens renouncing their citizenship in favor of foreign nationalities. The allure of better educational opportunities, lucrative job prospects, advanced medical facilities, and favorable investment climates has led an increasing number of Indians to seek greener pastures abroad. Over the past five years alone, a staggering 8,34,000 Indians have given up their citizenship, a clear indication of the growing dissatisfaction with the opportunities available within the country.
In recent years, India has witnessed a concerning trend of its citizens renouncing their citizenship in favor of foreign nationalities. The allure of better educational opportunities, lucrative job prospects, advanced medical facilities, and favorable investment climates has led an increasing number of Indians to seek greener pastures abroad. Over the past five years alone, a staggering 8,34,000 Indians have given up their citizenship, a clear indication of the growing dissatisfaction with the opportunities available within the country.
The pre-pandemic era (2011–2019) saw an average of 132,000 Indians renouncing their citizenship annually. However, this number has since surged by 20%, reaching 158,000 per year between 2020 and 2023. The reasons behind this exodus extend beyond the pursuit of higher education and employment. Many Indians are now seeking foreign citizenship to secure a higher standard of living and improved financial prospects for themselves and their families.
One of the primary factors driving this trend is the restrictive nature of the Indian passport. Compared to the visa-free travel offered by passports from countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Singapore, the Indian passport requires a visa for entry into many nations. This stark contrast in ease of mobility serves as a significant motivator for Indians to seek foreign citizenship, as it opens up a world of opportunities and convenience.
The data paints a concerning picture. From 2018 to 2023, Indians have acquired citizenship in 114 countries, with the majority settling in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Over the past six years, 70 people have acquired Pakistani citizenship, 130 have opted for Nepalese citizenship, and 1,500 have chosen Kenyan citizenship. Moreover, India has the second-largest number of international students after China, with 1.5 million students studying abroad.
Indian law does not permit dual citizenship, meaning that those who acquire foreign nationality must relinquish their Indian citizenship. However, the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, introduced in 2006, offers a glimmer of hope. This card allows visa-free entry and private employment in India, providing a bridge between the two worlds. Unfortunately, the OCI card only became available in 2015, after the discontinuation of the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card.
The exodus of Indian citizens raises critical questions about the state of the nation and the opportunities it offers its people. While the government may tout economic progress and development, the reality on the ground seems to paint a different picture. The growing number of Indians seeking foreign citizenship suggests a lack of faith in the system and a belief that their aspirations and potential can be better realized elsewhere.
As the world watches this trend unfold, it is crucial for India to introspect and address the underlying issues that are driving its citizens away. Investing in education, creating more job opportunities, improving healthcare, and fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation could be steps in the right direction. Only by addressing these concerns can India stem the tide of this worrying exodus and provide its citizens with the opportunities they seek within the country’s borders.
