Over 16 lakh people have renounced their Indian citizenship since 2011, according to data from the Indian government. The figures, which were released recently by the Ministry of Home Affairs, reveal a growing trend of individuals choosing to relinquish their citizenship for a variety of reasons.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the number of Indians who renounced their Indian citizenship in 2015 was 1,31,489, while 1,41,603 people gave it up in 2016 and 1,33,049 in 2017.
In 2018, the number was 1,34,561, while 1,44,017 Indians renounced their citizenship in 2019, 85,256 in 2020 and 1,63,370 in 2021. The number in 2022 was 2,25,620, according to the minister.
For reference purposes, Jaishankar said the data for 2011 was 1,22,819 while it was 1,20,923 in 2012, 1,31,405 in 2013 and 1,29,328 in 2014.
To a specific query, he said, according to information, five Indian nationals obtained the citizenship of the United Arab Emirates during the last three years. Mr. Jaishankar also provided a list of 135 countries whose citizenship Indians acquired.
The highest number of renunciations was reported in the year 2016, with over 5 lakh individuals giving up their citizenship. The number has steadily increased since then, with over 3 lakh renunciations reported in both 2017 and 2018.
Of these, a certain percentage is likely to be Indian nationals on H-1B and L1 visas. The government of India has consistently raised issues relating to the movement of high skilled workers, including IT professionals, with the US government,” Muraleedharan said.
“It has also been working with various stakeholders, including industry organisations and business chambers on these issues,” he said.
The reasons for renunciation vary from person to person, but some common factors include financial considerations, employment opportunities abroad, and dissatisfaction with the political situation in India. In some cases, individuals may also renounce their citizenship in order to acquire citizenship of another country.
One of the key factors driving the trend of renunciation is the economic growth and development of countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. These countries offer a higher standard of living and greater job opportunities, which are attractive to many Indians. Additionally, the ease of acquiring citizenship in these countries has made it easier for Indians to make the switch.
The trend of renunciation is not limited to any particular demographic, and individuals of all ages and backgrounds are choosing to give up their citizenship. Some experts believe that the trend is likely to continue in the coming years, as more and more people seek to take advantage of the opportunities available abroad.
The Indian government has taken steps to address the issue, and has made efforts to improve the standard of living in India. However, these efforts have not been enough to stem the tide of renunciations, and it remains to be seen what impact they will have in the long term.
The trend of renunciation of Indian citizenship is a growing concern for the Indian government. With over 16 lakh individuals giving up their citizenship since 2011, the issue highlights the need for the government to take a closer look at the factors driving this trend and take action to address them.
