By Tajdar H. Zaidi
In a notable demographic trend, more than two lakh Indian citizens have formally renounced their Indian nationality in 2024, according to a statement by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs. This development reflects a growing number of individuals choosing to settle permanently abroad, acquiring foreign citizenship, and giving up their Indian passports in the process.
Rising Numbers Over the Years
The year 2024 has already seen 2,06,378 Indians renounce their citizenship, marking a continuation of an upward trend in the past few years. The data for previous years is as follows:
- 2023: 2,16,219 individuals
- 2022: 2,25,620 individuals
- 2021: 1,63,370 individuals
- 2020: 85,256 individuals (notably lower due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
- 2019: 1,44,017 individuals
This trend indicates a consistent pattern of Indians moving abroad and eventually choosing to acquire citizenship in their host countries — a move that requires surrendering their Indian nationality, as India does not allow dual citizenship.
How the Renunciation Process Works
Renouncing Indian citizenship is a legal and procedural process, overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs and implemented through either district authorities in India or Indian Missions abroad.
The steps are as follows:
- Online Application:
Individuals must initiate the process by applying online at the government portal — www.indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in. The applicant must fill out the required forms and submit documents, including proof of acquiring foreign citizenship. - Verification by Authorities:
The District Magistrate or Collector (DM/DC) in India, or the Consular Officer at the relevant Indian Mission abroad, is responsible for verifying the original Indian passport and the information submitted by the applicant. - Document Upload and Stakeholder Review:
Once the verification is complete, the concerned authority uploads all documents to a secure system where stakeholder government departments and security agencies are given 30 days to submit any inputs or remarks on the application. - Timeframe for Completion:
The overall process can take up to 60 days from the date the verified, signed hard copy is uploaded by the Indian Mission or DM/DC office. This timeline may vary depending on the volume of applications and complexity of individual cases.
What Happens After Citizenship Is Renounced?
Once a person formally renounces Indian citizenship, they are legally required to surrender all Indian identity documents that were issued to them on the basis of their nationality. This includes:
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID card
- Indian driving license
- PAN card, if applicable for taxation purposes
- Any other government-issued document meant exclusively for Indian citizens
These must be returned to the respective issuing authorities to ensure compliance with Indian law.
The Broader Picture
The increase in the number of Indians giving up their citizenship reflects greater global mobility, rising emigration, and opportunities for permanent residency and citizenship abroad. Countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, and several EU nations are frequent destinations for those seeking economic and academic prospects overseas.
While India continues to engage with its global diaspora, the government has made it clear that dual citizenship will not be permitted, though Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status provides a viable alternative for many former citizens who wish to maintain a strong connection with the country.
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