RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2000
ANSWERED ON- 12/12/2024
RENOUNCEMENT OF INDIAN CITIZENSHIP
2000. SHRI KAPIL SIBAL
DR. JOHN BRITTAS
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-
(a) the number of Indian citizens who voluntarily surrendered their Indian citizenships during last five years, State-wise and year-wise, the reasons therefor;
(b) the details of countries whose citizenship have been acquired by such people in lieu of Indian citizenship, year-wise and State-wise details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by Government to address the issue including any policy changes or other initiatives?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) As per the information available with the Ministry, the number of Indians who gave up their Indian citizenship was 1,44,017 (in 2019); 85,256 (in 2020); 1,63,370 (in 2021); 2,25,620 (in 2022) and 2,16,219 (in 2023). For reference purpose, data was 1,22,819 (in 2011); 1,20,923 (in 2012); 1,31,405 (in 2013); 1,29,328 (in 2014); 1,31,489 (in 2015); 1,41,603 (in 2016); 1,33,049 (in 2017); 1,34,561 (in 2018). State-wise distribution of people who renounced Indian citizenship for foreign citizenships is not available.
(b) List of the countries whose citizenship Indians acquired is placed at Annexure
. Year-wise and State-wise details are not available with this Ministry.
(c) The reasons for renouncing/taking citizenship are personal. The Government recognizes the potential of the global workplace in an era of knowledge economy. It has also brought about a transformational change in its engagement with Indian diaspora. A successful, prosperous, and influential diaspora is an asset for India. India stands to gain a lot from tapping its diaspora networks and productive utilization of the soft power that comes from having such a flourishing diaspora. The Government’s efforts are also aimed at harnessing the diaspora potential to its fullest including through sharing of knowledge and expertise.