Over 2 Lakh Indians Renounced Citizenship in 2024, Govt Data Shows

Every year, thousands of Indians make the life-changing decision to renounce their citizenship. In 2024 alone, 2,06,378 Indians renounced citizenship, according to the Union Ministry of External Affairs’ written reply in the Rajya Sabha. This continues a trend of high numbers over recent years, with more than 18 lakh (1.8 million) Indians giving up their citizenship between 2011 and 2024. Many people wonder why this is happening, what the process involves, and what the real-life impacts are for those who choose this path. To help readers understand, this article compares the main options and outcomes for Indians who renounce citizenship, focusing on requirements, timelines, costs, pros and cons, and practical recommendations.

Introduction to the Choices: Renouncing Indian Citizenship vs. Retaining Indian Citizenship

For Indians living abroad, the decision to keep or give up Indian citizenship is not simple. India 🇮🇳 does not allow dual citizenship. This means that if an Indian citizen acquires citizenship in another country, they must formally renounce their Indian citizenship and surrender their Indian passport. The process is managed by the Union Ministry of External Affairs and is often discussed in the Rajya Sabha, India’s upper house of Parliament.

The two main options for Indians living overseas are:

• Option 1: Retain Indian Citizenship (and remain a citizen of India 🇮🇳, even while living abroad)
• Option 2: Renounce Indian Citizenship (and become a citizen of another country, such as the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Australia 🇦🇺, or Singapore 🇸🇬)

Let’s look at these options side by side, comparing requirements, timelines, costs, and the real-life effects for different groups.

Side-by-Side Analysis: Requirements, Timelines, and Costs

Option 1: Retaining Indian Citizenship

• Requirements:
  • Must not acquire citizenship of another country.
  • Can live abroad on a long-term visa, such as a work or student visa.
  • Must renew Indian passport as needed.
• Timelines:
  • No special process required unless returning to India or applying for consular services.
• Costs:
  • Standard passport renewal fees.
  • Visa fees for the country of residence.
• Key Points:
  • Retain all rights as an Indian citizen, including voting and property ownership.
  • No need to surrender Indian passport.

Option 2: Renouncing Indian Citizenship

• Requirements:
  • Must have acquired citizenship of another country.
  • Must apply for renunciation through the Indian Citizenship Online portal or at a consulate.
  • Must surrender Indian passport immediately after acquiring foreign nationality.
  • Must provide proof of new citizenship.
• Timelines:
  • Application can be submitted online or at a consulate.
  • After submission and document verification, a renunciation certificate is usually issued within 30 days of acknowledgment.
• Costs:
  • Renunciation fee: Varies by country and consulate (for example, in the United States 🇺🇸, the fee is around $175).
  • Additional charges may apply for document handling or courier services.
• Key Points:
  • Lose all rights as an Indian citizen, including voting and certain property rights.
  • Eligible to apply for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status, which allows visa-free travel to India 🇮🇳 but does not grant political rights.

Pros and Cons for Different Situations

Retaining Indian Citizenship

Pros:
– Full Rights: Keep all rights as an Indian citizen, including voting, government jobs, and property ownership.
– No Legal Risk: No risk of breaking Indian law by holding an Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship.
– Cultural Connection: Easier to maintain strong ties with India 🇮🇳, including family, culture, and business.

Cons:
– Limited Global Mobility: Indian passport holders face more travel restrictions compared to passports from countries like the United States 🇺🇸 or Canada 🇨🇦.
– No Access to Benefits Abroad: Cannot access social security, healthcare, or other benefits reserved for citizens in many countries.
– Visa Hassles: Must keep renewing visas or residence permits in the country of residence, which can be costly and uncertain.

Renouncing Indian Citizenship

Pros:
– Global Mobility: Many foreign passports offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more countries, making travel easier.
– Access to Benefits: Can access social security, healthcare, and other benefits in the new country of citizenship.
– Career and Education: Easier to get jobs, scholarships, and other opportunities reserved for citizens.
– Dual Citizenship (Elsewhere): Some countries allow dual or multiple citizenships, so former Indians can hold more than one passport (but not Indian).

Cons:
– Loss of Indian Rights: Cannot vote in Indian elections, hold government jobs, or buy certain types of property in India 🇮🇳.
– Emotional Impact: Some people feel a sense of loss or disconnection from their homeland.
– Legal Requirement: Must surrender Indian passport immediately after acquiring foreign citizenship. Failure to do so is a legal offense.
– No Dual Citizenship: India 🇮🇳 does not allow dual citizenship, so this is a permanent decision.

Detailed Comparison Table

Why Are So Many Indians Renouncing Citizenship?

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, several key factors drive the high number of Indians renounced citizenship in recent years:

• Career Opportunities: Developed countries often offer better jobs, higher salaries, and more stable work environments.
• Quality of Life: Many people seek better healthcare, education, and overall living conditions.
• Global Mobility: Passports from countries like the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, and Singapore 🇸🇬 allow easier travel to many countries.
• No Dual Citizenship: India’s strict rule against dual citizenship forces people to choose between Indian citizenship and the benefits of citizenship elsewhere.
• Family Reunification: Some people renounce Indian citizenship to join family members who are already citizens of another country.
• Socio-Political Factors: Some experts mention concerns about social or political changes in India 🇮🇳 as a reason for leaving.

The Renunciation Process: Step-by-Step

1. Acquire New Citizenship: First, the individual must become a citizen of another country.
2. Apply for Renunciation: Submit an application through the Indian Citizenship Online portal or at the nearest Indian consulate.
3. Surrender Indian Passport: The Indian passport must be surrendered immediately after acquiring foreign citizenship.
4. Document Verification: Authorities check the application and supporting documents.
5. Renunciation Certificate: Issued within 30 days of acknowledgment. This certificate is needed for future consular services, such as applying for an OCI card.
6. Pay Fees: Fees vary by country and consulate. Payment is required at the time of application.

Important: Not surrendering the Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship is a legal offense under Indian law.

What Happens After Renunciation?

• Loss of Indian Citizenship Rights: The person can no longer vote, hold government jobs, or buy certain types of property in India 🇮🇳.
• OCI Eligibility: Most former Indian citizens can apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, which allows visa-free travel and long-term stays in India 🇮🇳. However, OCI holders cannot vote or hold government jobs.
• Consular Services: The renunciation certificate is required for many consular services, including OCI applications and visas.
• Emotional and Social Impact: Some people feel a sense of loss or disconnection from India 🇮🇳, while others feel more secure and settled in their new country.

Government Response and Policy

The Union Ministry of External Affairs, in its reply to the Rajya Sabha, has stated that a strong and successful Indian diaspora is an asset for India 🇮🇳. The government does not see the high number of renunciations as a “brain drain,” but rather as a way to build global connections and share knowledge. The government also promotes the OCI scheme to keep ties with former citizens.

• No Dual Citizenship: India 🇮🇳 does not allow dual citizenship. Article 9 of the Constitution and the Citizenship Act, 1955, make this clear.
• No State-wise Data: The government does not collect or publish data on renunciations by state or by destination country.
• No Major Policy Changes: As of July 2025, there are no plans to introduce dual citizenship or change the renunciation process.
• Diaspora Engagement: The government continues to reach out to the Indian diaspora for economic investment, cultural exchange, and knowledge sharing.

For more details on official policies and updates, readers can visit the Ministry of External Affairs website.

Recommendations for Specific Circumstances

For Indians Considering Renunciation:

• Career-Focused Individuals: If your job or business prospects are much better in another country, and you need citizenship to access those opportunities, renunciation may make sense.
• Families with Children Abroad: If your children are citizens of another country, and you want to join them or make their lives easier, renunciation can help with family reunification.
• Frequent Travelers: If you travel often for work or leisure, a passport from a country with better visa-free access can save time and money.
• Emotional Connection to India 🇮🇳: If you feel strongly about keeping your Indian identity, and do not need the benefits of foreign citizenship, you may prefer to retain Indian citizenship.

For Those Who Want to Keep Indian Citizenship:

• Strong Ties to India 🇮🇳: If you plan to return to India 🇮🇳, own property, or want to vote, it is better to keep your Indian citizenship.
• Temporary Stay Abroad: If your stay abroad is short-term (for study or work), and you plan to return, there is no need to renounce citizenship.
• Uncertainty About the Future: If you are unsure about settling abroad permanently, it is safer to keep your Indian citizenship.

Decision-Making Framework

When deciding whether to renounce Indian citizenship, consider the following questions:

1. What are your long-term plans? Are you planning to settle abroad permanently, or do you want to keep the option of returning to India 🇮🇳?
2. What benefits do you gain from foreign citizenship? Will you get better job opportunities, social benefits, or travel freedom?
3. How important are your rights in India 🇮🇳? Do you want to vote, own property, or work in government jobs in India 🇮🇳?
4. Are you prepared for the emotional impact? Some people feel a sense of loss after giving up their Indian citizenship.
5. Are you aware of the legal requirements? Make sure to surrender your Indian passport and follow all rules to avoid legal trouble.

Conclusion and Practical Guidance

The trend of Indians renounced citizenship remains high, with over 2 lakh people making this choice in 2024. The Union Ministry of External Affairs, as reported in the Rajya Sabha, continues to monitor the situation but has not announced any major policy changes. The government sees the Indian diaspora as a valuable resource and encourages former citizens to stay connected through the OCI scheme.

If you are considering renouncing Indian citizenship, weigh the pros and cons carefully. Think about your career, family, and personal feelings. Follow the official process, use the Indian Citizenship Online portal, and make sure to surrender your Indian passport as required by law.

For more information, always refer to official government sources such as the Ministry of External Affairs. Making an informed decision will help you avoid legal problems and ensure you get the benefits you need, whether you choose to remain an Indian citizen or join the growing number of Indians who have renounced their citizenship for new opportunities abroad.

Learn Today

Renunciation → The formal process of giving up one’s Indian citizenship upon acquiring foreign nationality.
Indian Citizenship Online portal → Official website to apply for renunciation or other citizenship-related services in India.
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) → A status granting visa-free travel to India but no political or government job rights.
Rajya Sabha → India’s upper house of Parliament where citizenship matters are often discussed.
Dual Citizenship → Legal possession of citizenship in two countries simultaneously; prohibited by Indian law.

This Article in a Nutshell

In 2024, over 206,000 Indians renounced citizenship amid India’s no dual citizenship rule. Renunciation ensures better global mobility but means losing Indian political rights and property ownership. The OCI card offers limited benefits. The government supports the diaspora, viewing renunciations as global engagement, not brain drain.
— By VisaVerge.com