Record Number of Indians Renounce Citizenship in 2024

Significant Increase in Citizenship Renunciations

In a recent statement to Parliament, the Union government revealed that over 206,000 individuals renounced their Indian citizenship in 2024.

Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs, informed the Rajya Sabha that in the previous year, 216,000 Indians had also given up their citizenship.

The trend shows a gradual increase, with more than 225,000 Indians relinquishing their citizenship in 2022, compared to 160,000 in 2021, 85,256 in 2020, and 140,000 in 2019.

This information was provided in response to a query from Congress MP Anil Kumar Yadav Mandadi, who asked whether the government conducts thorough checks before approving citizenship renunciations.

According to Singh, individuals wishing to renounce their citizenship must submit an online application. Following this, a district collector or consular officer verifies the original passport.

All necessary documents are uploaded and shared with relevant government departments, which have 30 days to provide their feedback. A certificate of renunciation is issued after this period.

Earlier in March, the government reported that 134,000 Indians had renounced their citizenship in 2018, while the figure was 133,000 in 2017.

The government noted that the motivations behind individuals renouncing their Indian citizenship are personal and vary from person to person.

It emphasized the importance of the global workforce in today's knowledge economy, highlighting a significant shift in how it engages with the Indian diaspora.

“A thriving and influential diaspora is a valuable asset for India,” the government stated. “Leveraging diaspora networks can greatly benefit India and enhance its soft power.”