Indians Renouncing Citizenship in Record Numbers: Top Destinations Revealed

*August 26, 2024* – The trend of Indians renouncing their citizenship has reached unprecedented levels, with a significant increase in the number of individuals seeking permanent residency abroad. According to recent statistics, more than 8.34 lakh Indians have given up their citizenship over the past five years. This trend reflects a growing preference for settling in countries that offer higher education and better job opportunities.The number of Indians renouncing their citizenship has surged notably in recent years. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, from 2011 to 2019, an average of 1,32,000 Indians relinquished their citizenship annually. However, between 2020 and 2023, this number rose by 20 percent each year, surpassing two lakh annually. The Union government’s recent data, presented in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, indicates that approximately 2.16 lakh Indians are expected to renounce their citizenship in 2023.The numbers for recent years are as follows:- **2022:** 2,25,620 individuals- **2021:** 1,63,370 individuals- **2020:** 85,256 individuals- **2019:** 1,44,017 individualsFrom 2018 to 2023, Indians have acquired citizenship in 114 countries. The majority have opted for residency in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Notably, the U.S. remains the top destination, with a significant number of Indian students pursuing education there and subsequently seeking American citizenship.Other countries where Indians have sought citizenship include Pakistan (70 individuals), Nepal (130 individuals), and Kenya (1,500 individuals). This migration trend underscores the global mobility of Indian professionals and students, driven by aspirations for enhanced educational and career opportunities abroad.