In the backdrop of strained India-Canada relations, data from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has unveiled a noteworthy trend. Approximately 1.6 lakh Indians, constituting nearly 20% of those relinquishing their citizenship between January 2018 and June 2023, have chosen Canadian nationality.
Canada has emerged as the second-most favored destination for Indian expatriates during this period, closely trailing the United States. Meanwhile, Australia and the United Kingdom hold the third and fourth positions, respectively. In total, nearly 8.4 lakh Indians have surrendered their Indian citizenship during this timeframe, embracing citizenship in 114 diverse nations. A substantial 58% of these individuals have opted for either the United States or Canada.
Analyzing the yearly breakdown of Indians forsaking their citizenship reveals an upward trajectory, barring a temporary decline in 2020 attributed to the pandemic. The number surged from 1.3 lakh in 2018 to 2.2 lakh in 2022. In the first half of 2023, slightly over 87,000 Indians have embraced foreign citizenship.
Vikram Shroff, an emigration expert and Leader of HR Law at Nishith Desai Associates, pointed out that the top four preferences align with expectations. He emphasized that numerous Indians favor citizenship in developed nations where English serves as the dominant language.
Emigration factors encompass a variety of motivations, including an enhanced standard of living, educational prospects for children, employment opportunities, and access to quality healthcare. Countries like Canada and Australia have been successful in attracting foreign talent by streamlining the processes for obtaining residency and citizenship, Shroff noted.
The Ministry of External Affairs acknowledges the significant migration of Indians seeking global opportunities over the past two decades. Many have pursued foreign citizenship for personal convenience. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has recently affirmed the government’s awareness of this trend and its commitment to harness the talents of the Indian diaspora for national development.
“A thriving, prosperous, and influential diaspora is an asset for India, and our strategy is to leverage diaspora networks and utilize their reputation for national advancement,” Jaishankar asserted, emphasizing the holistic approach to diaspora engagement.
