In 2024, a staggering 206,378 Indians voluntarily relinquished their citizenship, continuing a trend that has seen over a million people give up their Indian passports in the last six years alone.
While the figure represents a slight dip from the record highs of 2022 and 2023, it underscores a persistent and significant exodus of talent, wealth, and human capital from the nation. This phenomenon, often cloaked in the official explanation of “personal reasons,” points to a complex mix of global ambitions, economic calculations, and quality-of-life aspirations driving Indians to seek new nationalities.
The Unmistakable Trend
Data presented by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the Rajya Sabha paints a clear picture of this outward migration. While the 2024 number is a slight decrease from the 225,620 who renounced citizenship in 2022 and the 216,219 in 2023, it remains substantially higher than the figures from 2019 (144,017) and 2020 (85,256). Since 2019, a total of 1.04 million Indians have made the decision to adopt foreign citizenship.
Citizenship Renunciation: A Year-by-Year Look
- 2019: 144,017
- 2020: 85,256
- 2021: 163,370
- 2022: 225,620
- 2023: 216,219
- 2024: 206,378
This sustained high rate of renunciation highlights that the exodus is not a temporary spike but a settled trend, prompting questions about the underlying factors compelling so many to make this life-altering choice.
The Driving Forces: Beyond “Personal Reasons”
While the MEA officially maintains that the “reasons for renouncing Indian citizenship or taking foreign citizenship are personal and known only to the individual,” a deeper analysis reveals several powerful motivators.
The Quest for Global Mobility and a Better Quality of Life
A primary driver is the desire for a more powerful passport. An Indian passport offers limited visa-free access compared to those of developed nations, creating hurdles for frequent international travelers, business people, and professionals. Acquiring citizenship in countries like the US, UK, Canada, or in the European Union provides greater global mobility.
Beyond travel, the decision is often rooted in the pursuit of a better quality of life. This includes access to superior healthcare systems, world-class educational opportunities for children, cleaner environments, and more robust social security nets.
Economic Opportunities and Career Advancement
For many highly skilled professionals, engineers, doctors, and tech experts, moving abroad offers unparalleled career growth and financial rewards. The lure of higher salaries, advanced research opportunities, and working at the global headquarters of multinational corporations is a significant pull factor. The government itself acknowledges this, stating it “recognises the potential of the global workplace in an era of a knowledge economy.”
The Prohibition on Dual Citizenship
A critical factor forcing a decision is India’s legal framework. Under the Constitution and the Citizenship Act of 1955, India does not permit dual citizenship. This means any Indian who voluntarily acquires foreign nationality must formally renounce their Indian citizenship. They are not choosing to abandon India as much as they are forced to make a choice that other countries do not require of their citizens.
The Exodus of Wealth
The trend is not limited to skilled professionals; a significant number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are also leaving. The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025 projected that 3,500 Indian millionaires would move abroad in 2025. Critics, including the Congress party, have pointed to “opaque tax policies and an arbitrary tax administration” as potential reasons for this wealth drain, arguing it creates a climate of fear and intimidation for corporate India. This exodus represents a significant loss to the country’s tax revenue base.
A Global Diaspora
The destinations for these former Indian citizens are diverse, spanning approximately 135 countries. While the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia remain popular choices, Indians have also adopted citizenship in countries across Europe, the Middle East (notably the UAE), and even in nations like Antigua and Barbuda.
The process of renunciation is a formal one. An individual must make an online application, after which their original passport and other details are verified before a renunciation certificate is issued.
The Government’s Perspective
The Indian government has framed this trend not as a loss, but as the growth of a powerful global asset. Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, has stated that “a successful, prosperous, and influential diaspora is an asset for India.” The government’s policy aims to leverage the “soft power” of this flourishing diaspora, tapping into their networks, knowledge, and expertise to benefit the home country.
A Brain Drain or a Global Gain?
Despite the government’s optimistic outlook, the consistent outflow of over 200,000 citizens annually raises serious concerns about a “brain drain” and “wealth drain.” The departure of highly educated and skilled individuals from a country with a skilled labor shortage could exact a serious toll on the economy.
While many in the diaspora maintain strong cultural and economic ties to India, their new citizenship status fundamentally alters their legal and financial relationship with their country of birth. Their tax contributions, investments, and intellectual capital are now primarily anchored in their new homes.
The reasons Indians renounce their citizenship are multifaceted, blending personal ambition with practical considerations. As India strives to become a global economic powerhouse, the continued exodus of its brightest and wealthiest citizens presents a complex challenge: how to harness the potential of its global diaspora while creating an environment at home that persuades more of its talent to stay.
