87,026 Indian have renounced their citizenship until June this year

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar revealed that until June this year, 87,026 Indians chose to renounce their citizenship, with a total of over 17.50 lakh people doing so since 2011. While many seek citizenship for convenience and global opportunities, the government recognizes the diaspora’s potential as an asset to the nation. The USA, Australia, Canada, and the UK were among the top destinations for those relinquishing citizenship.

According to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars statement, in the Lok Sabha, a number of Indians many as 87,026 individuals have chosen to give up their Indian citizenship until June this year. 

Since 2011 a total of over 17.50 lakh people have renounced their citizenship. Minister Jaishankar highlighted that in 2022 2,25,620 Indians decided to renounce their citizenship. The numbers for the years are as follows; 1,63,370 in 2021 85,256 in 2020 1,44,017 in 2019 and on.

Minister Jaishankar acknowledged that many Indian nationals have sought citizenship for convenience and the pursuit of global opportunities. However, he emphasized the value of the community as an asset to the nation. The government has adopted an approach towards engaging with the diaspora. Recognizes their potential for national benefit.

In terms of destination countries for those relinquishing citizenship in years based on available data from the Ministry of External Affairs report. It is evident that a significant number are pursuing what is commonly referred to as “the American dream.” In fact, in 2021 approximately 7,88,284 of them relinquished their citizenship in 2021. Australia secured the position after the US as 23,533 individuals decided to relinquish their Indian citizenship. Following closely behind were Canada, with 21,597 individuals, and the UK with 14,637 individuals.

A notable number of Indians opted to become citizens of Italy (5,986) New Zealand (2,643) Singapore (2,516) Germany (2,381) the Netherlands (2,187) Sweden (1,841) and Spain (1,595). 

As per a UN report on migration in 2020, nearly all of the 20 destinations for migrants were high-income or upper-middle-income countries. The US holds the population of Indians with over four million residents followed by Gulf countries such, as the UAE with 3.5 million residents and Saudi Arabia with 2.5 million residents.