Indians Giving Up Their Citizenship: A Growing Trend

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of Indians giving up their citizenship.  According to data released by the Ministry of External Affairs, a record number of 225,620 Indian citizens renounced their citizenship and took up foreign citizenship in 2022,over 87,000 Indians gave up their citizenship in 2023.

Some of the most common reasons why Indians are giving up their Citizenship :

• Economic opportunities: Many Indians are attracted to the economic opportunities available in other countries. For example, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom offer higher salaries, better job prospects  and a better quality of life than India.      
• Political instability: Some Indians are concerned about the political instability in India. The recent rise of Hindu nationalism has led to concerns about religious freedom and the rule of law. The rise of the BJP government and the increasing polarization of Indian society have led some Indians to believe that India is no longer a safe or prosperous place to live.       
• Taxation: Indians who live and work abroad are subject to Indian taxes on their worldwide income. This can be a significant financial burden, especially for high-income earners.                                                                          
• Family: Some Indians give up their citizenship in order to sponsor their family members for immigration to another country.                                                                                                                                
• Education: Many Indian students give up their citizenship in order to study abroad. This is because the quality of education in other countries is often better than in India.                                  
• Family: Some Indians give up their citizenship to move to a country where their children can have a better education or where they can be closer to their extended family.                                        
• Quality of life: Some Indians are simply looking for a better quality of life. They may be attracted to the better healthcare, education, or infrastructure offered by other countries.

Golden Visa

Golden visas are becoming increasingly popular among Indians. A Golden visa is a residency permit that is granted to foreigners who invest a certain amount of money in a country. This is because they offer a number of benefits, such as the ability to live and work in the country, the right to travel freely within the European Union, and the right to access healthcare and education. Golden visas are often granted for a period of five years and can be renewed.

Gold Card

A Gold Card is a residency permit that is granted to foreigners who have made significant contributions to a country. Gold cards are less common than golden visas, but they offer even more benefits. For example, gold card holders may be exempt from taxes and may be eligible for certain government benefits. Gold cards are often granted for a period of ten years and can be renewed.

How to Give Up Indian Citizenship

To give up Indian Citizenship, you must meet certain requirements. You must be at least 21 years old, you must have renounced your other Citizenship (if any), and you must not be a security threat to India. You can apply to renounce your Citizenship online or at a government office.

It is important to note that India does not allow Dual Citizenship, so individuals seeking citizenship in another country must give up their Indian passport as per law. However, Indians who renounce their Indian Citizenship can still apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, which enables them to enjoy the benefits of residing, working or running a business in India.

Benefits of Giving Up Indian Citizenship

There are a number of benefits to giving up Indian citizenship. These include:

• Tax savings: Indians who give up their citizenship are no longer subject to Indian taxes on their worldwide income. This can be a significant financial benefit, especially for high-income earners.
• Visa-free travel: Citizens of many countries enjoy visa-free travel to India. However, Indians who give up their citizenship may be able to travel to more countries visa-free.
• Opportunities for Dual Citizenship: Some countries allow dual citizenship, which means that you can be a citizen of two countries at the same time. This can be beneficial if you want to live and work in multiple countries.

Drawbacks of Giving Up Indian Citizenship

There are also some drawbacks to giving up Indian citizenship. These include:

• Loss of voting rights: Indians who give up their citizenship lose the right to vote in Indian elections.
• Loss of property rights: Indians who give up their citizenship may lose their property rights in India.
• Loss of access to government services: Indians who give up their citizenship may lose access to government services, such as healthcare and education.

 

The Future of Indian Citizenship

The future of Indian citizenship is uncertain. The Indian government has not taken any steps to make it easier or harder for Indians to give up their citizenship. However, the trend of Indians giving up their citizenship is likely to continue, as more and more Indians seek economic opportunities and a better quality of life abroad.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of global mobility and identity, the decision to renounce Indian citizenship is influenced by a myriad of factors. From individual desires to economic advantages, this growing trend carries implications that ripple through society. As the world continues to transform, the choice to embrace foreign citizenship becomes a symbol of a shared humanity that knows no boundaries.