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BENGALURU: Amidst strained relations between India and Canada, data from the ministry of external affairs (MEA) reveals that nearly 1.6 lakh Indians, accounting for almost 20% of those renouncing their citizenship between January 2018 and June 2023, opted for Canadian nationality.
Canada has emerged as the second most preferred destination for Indian expatriates during this period, following the US, while Australia and the UK hold the third and fourth positions, respectively. Overall, close to 8.4 lakh Indians gave up their Indian citizenship during this timeframe, becoming citizens of 114 different nations, with a substantial 58% choosing either the US or Canada.
A year-wise breakdown of Indians relinquishing their citizenship displays an upward trend, except for a dip in 2020 due to the pandemic. The number surged from 1.3 lakh in 2018 to 2.2 lakh in 2022. A little over 87,000 Indians opted for foreign citizenship in the first half of 2023.
Emigration expert Vikram Shroff, Leader of HR Law at Nishith Desai Associates, points out that the top four preferences align with expectations. Many Indians prefer citizenship in developed nations where English is the dominant language.
“There are multiple reasons for emigration, including higher standard of living, children’s education, employment opportunities and quality healthcare. Countries like Canada and Australia are attracting foreign talent by making it easier and quicker for people to obtain residency and citizenship,” Shroff said.
The MEA recognises the significant number of Indians exploring global opportunities in the past two decades. Many have chosen foreign citizenship for personal convenience, according to the ministry.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar recently informed Parliament that the government is aware of this trend and has undertaken various initiatives to tap into the talents of the diaspora to contribute to India’s national development.
“A successful, prosperous, and influential diaspora is an advantage for India, and our approach is to tap diaspora networks and utilise its reputation for national gain,” Jaishankar had said. His observations were holistic and not specifically about Indians becoming Canadian citizens.
Canada has emerged as the second most preferred destination for Indian expatriates during this period, following the US, while Australia and the UK hold the third and fourth positions, respectively. Overall, close to 8.4 lakh Indians gave up their Indian citizenship during this timeframe, becoming citizens of 114 different nations, with a substantial 58% choosing either the US or Canada.
A year-wise breakdown of Indians relinquishing their citizenship displays an upward trend, except for a dip in 2020 due to the pandemic. The number surged from 1.3 lakh in 2018 to 2.2 lakh in 2022. A little over 87,000 Indians opted for foreign citizenship in the first half of 2023.
Emigration expert Vikram Shroff, Leader of HR Law at Nishith Desai Associates, points out that the top four preferences align with expectations. Many Indians prefer citizenship in developed nations where English is the dominant language.
“There are multiple reasons for emigration, including higher standard of living, children’s education, employment opportunities and quality healthcare. Countries like Canada and Australia are attracting foreign talent by making it easier and quicker for people to obtain residency and citizenship,” Shroff said.
The MEA recognises the significant number of Indians exploring global opportunities in the past two decades. Many have chosen foreign citizenship for personal convenience, according to the ministry.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar recently informed Parliament that the government is aware of this trend and has undertaken various initiatives to tap into the talents of the diaspora to contribute to India’s national development.
“A successful, prosperous, and influential diaspora is an advantage for India, and our approach is to tap diaspora networks and utilise its reputation for national gain,” Jaishankar had said. His observations were holistic and not specifically about Indians becoming Canadian citizens.
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