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.