The Indian Diaspora and the Case for Dual Citizenship

Context:

• The movement of people across the world in the last 50 years has been a significant aspect of global history, with India playing a central role.
• India has the largest diaspora, with over 3.5 crore Indians living abroad. This migration has profound economic, cultural, and political implications for India. 

India’s Global Migration and Its Impact:

• Growing Indian diaspora:
  • The number of international migrants has tripled since 1970, now constituting 4% of the world’s population.
  • Nearly one in 40 Indians lives abroad, making India the largest source of emigrants.
• Economic contributions of the Indian diaspora:
  • India receives the highest migrant remittances globally, amounting to nearly $130 billion annually.
  • These remittances surpass foreign investment inflows ($42 billion) and help cover India’s trade and current account deficits.
  • The major sources of remittances have shifted from the Gulf to advanced economies.

The Role of Migration in India’s Foreign Policy:

• The Indian government recognizes the diaspora as an asset and has integrated migration into its foreign policy strategy.
• The Ministry of External Affairs acknowledges that for young Indians, the world is becoming their workplace.
• India’s policies aim to facilitate overseas employment opportunities.

The High-Level Committee on the Indian Diaspora and OCI:

• Background and recommendations:
  • The 25th anniversary of the High-Level Committee on the Indian Diaspora is approaching.
  • The Committee advocated for dual citizenship, arguing there was no constitutional or legal barrier to it.
  • It highlighted global trends supporting dual citizenship and dismissed security concerns as manageable.
• Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI):
  • Introduced in 2005 following the Committee’s recommendations.
  • Despite its name, OCI is not dual citizenship and comes with limitations:
    • No voting rights.
    • No eligibility for public office.
    • Restrictions on purchasing agricultural land.
  • OCI status is considered a privilege, not a right, and can be revoked.
  • Many OCI holders feel it is a second-class status compared to genuine dual citizenship.

Changing Global Attitudes Toward Migration:

• Increasing restrictions on migration and citizenship policies in developed countries.
• Non-citizens face growing risks, making foreign citizenship essential for security and travel freedom.
• Many Indians renounce Indian citizenship out of necessity rather than choice.

The Case for Dual Citizenship - Policy Recommendations:

• Retention of Indian citizenship:
  • Instead of requiring renunciation, Indians should retain their citizenship when acquiring another passport.
  • This aligns with the practice in many other countries.
• Political rights and public service participation:
  • Voting rights could be extended to dual citizens through in-person or overseas mechanisms.
  • High offices and sensitive civil service roles can remain restricted to single-citizenship holders.
  • Allowing dual citizens to participate in local governance would enhance their engagement with India.
• Clear legal framework for security concerns:
  • Dual citizenship need not be universal; it can be selectively granted based on generational links and security assessments.
  • Instead of blanket restrictions, a case-by-case scrutiny approach would be more democratic.

Broader Implications of Dual Citizenship:

• Strengthening emotional and economic ties:
  • Many Indians abroad maintain strong emotional ties with India but face legal and practical barriers.
  • Dual citizenship would reinforce their commitment, encouraging investment and knowledge transfer to India.
• Recognizing evolving identities:
  • In a globalized world, identities are increasingly complex.
  • Genuine dual citizenship would acknowledge these realities, ensuring future generations of the diaspora remain connected to India.
• It would eliminate the need for an either-or choice between nationalities.

Conclusion:

• India’s diaspora is an invaluable global asset, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy and international influence. However, the current OCI framework falls short of fulfilling their aspirations.
• Recognizing dual citizenship would enhance India’s global integration while preserving its strong cultural and economic links with its diaspora.
• As India’s presence in the world grows, allowing more of the world into India through progressive citizenship policies is imperative.

Q1. Discuss the economic significance of the Indian diaspora for India's economy.

Ans. The Indian diaspora contributes significantly through remittances, amounting to nearly $130 billion annually, which helps bridge India’s trade and current account deficits.

Q2. What are the key limitations of the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status, and how does it differ from dual citizenship?

Ans. OCI does not grant voting rights, eligibility for public office, or the ability to purchase agricultural land, making it a restricted privilege rather than genuine dual citizenship.

Q3. Explain the major push and pull factors behind the increasing migration of Indians abroad.

Ans. Migration is driven by demographic and income disparities, improved transportation and communication, and better employment opportunities in advanced economies.

Q4. Why is there a growing demand for dual citizenship among the Indian diaspora, and what policy changes are suggested to address it?

Ans. The demand arises due to legal and security constraints faced by non-citizens abroad, and policy recommendations include allowing citizenship retention upon acquiring a foreign passport.

Q5. How can granting dual citizenship to the Indian diaspora benefit India strategically?

Ans. Dual citizenship would strengthen India’s economic ties, promote foreign investments, retain skilled talent, and enhance India’s global influence. 

Source:IE