Last Updated: September 25, 2023, 10:47 IST
A year-wise breakdown of Indians giving up their citizenship displays an upward trend, except for a dip in 2020 due to the pandemic. (Credit: ca.visaenvoy)
The numbers revealed in a data by the ministry of external affairs (MEA) comes amid strained relations between India and Canada.
Nearly 1.6 lakh Indians, accounting for almost 20 per cent, of those renouncing their citizenship between January 2018 and June 2023, have opted for Canadian nationality. The numbers revealed in a data by the ministry of external affairs (MEA) comes amid strained relations between India and Canada.
According to a Times of India report, 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 the mentioned timeframe, becoming citizens of 114 different nations, with a substantial 58% choosing either the US or Canada, the report stated.
According to TOI, 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.
The report quoted emigration expert Vikram Shroff, leader of HR Law at Nishith Desai Associates, as saying that the top four preferences align with expectations.
Many Indians prefer citizenship in developed nations where English is the dominant language, the expert mentioned.
“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 was further quoted.
