More than two lakh Indians renounced their citizenship in 2024, according to data shared by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The figure underscores a continuing trend of Indians opting for foreign passports in pursuit of better opportunities abroad.
Over 2 Lakh Indians Gave Up Citizenship in 2024, Says Government
While the minister did not elaborate on the specific causes, experts cite a mix of reasons behind this shift — including aspirations for improved career prospects, higher education opportunities, enhanced quality of life, and better healthcare in developed nations. In some cases, Indians working overseas are required to adopt local citizenship to access certain benefits or to comply with residency rules.
Top Reasons for Citizenship Renunciation
- Career and Job Opportunities Abroad – Many skilled professionals move to countries like the US, Canada, and Australia for better job prospects, higher salaries, and stable work environments.
- Education – Students pursuing higher education overseas often choose to settle in the host country for better career growth, which sometimes requires changing citizenship.
- Quality of Life – Factors like healthcare access, public infrastructure, safety, and a cleaner environment play a major role in influencing this decision.
- Residency and Legal Requirements – In some nations, permanent residency has limitations, and full citizenship is necessary for social benefits, voting rights, or owning property.
- Family Reunification – Many Indians join family members already settled abroad, opting for local citizenship to avoid visa restrictions.
- Global Mobility – Some prefer passports from countries that offer visa-free travel to a larger number of destinations, easing international movement for work and leisure
Analysts also point to factors such as economic uncertainties
The United States, Canada, Australia, and European countries remain top destinations for those surrendering their Indian passports. Analysts also point to factors such as economic uncertainties, global mobility, and family reunification as contributing to the rising numbers.
However, the government has maintained that despite the high figures, India continues to benefit from its large global diaspora, which contributes through remittances, investments, and fostering stronger bilateral ties with their adopted countries.
The trend of citizenship renunciation has been steadily increasing over the past decade, raising questions about how India can retain talent and provide comparable opportunities at home.
