Nearly 9 Lakh Indians Renounce Citizenship in Last Five Years: Government Informs Parliament

In the past five years, approximately 896,843 Indians have renounced their citizenship, with a notable increase in cases after 2022, the government informed the Rajya Sabha.

Responding to a written question, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh provided a detailed breakdown of the figures. The data shows a gradual rise in renunciations:

• 2020: 85,256
• 2021: 1,63,370
• 2022: 2,25,620
• 2023: 2,16,219
• 2024: 2,06,378

From 2011 to 2019, a total of 11,89,194 Indians had given up citizenship, highlighting a steady trend over the decade.

Government Tackles Fraudulent Job Offers Abroad

The minister also highlighted the issue of fraudulent firms luring Indians with fake job offers on social media, particularly targeting South Asian workers. Between 2022 and 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) received 16,127 complaints from Indians abroad, with the highest number from Saudi Arabia (3,049 cases), followed by UAE (1,587), Malaysia (662), the US (620), Oman (613), Kuwait (549), Canada (345), Australia (318), UK (299), and Qatar (289).

Through intervention, a total of 6,700 Indians were rescued from cybercrime and forced labor situations linked to these scams.

Robust Multi-Level Mechanism for NRI Complaints

To address grievances of Indians living abroad, the MEA has established a multi-tiered support system comprising:

• 24×7 emergency helplines
• Walk-in facilities at Indian missions
• Social media support
• Multilingual assistance

Most complaints are resolved promptly through direct dialogue, employer mediation, and coordination with foreign authorities. Delays occur in cases involving incomplete information, uncooperative employers, or ongoing court proceedings. Legal aid is also provided through embassy-appointed panels, supported by the Indian Community Welfare Fund.

The minister emphasized that protection of Indian workers abroad is a top priority, with continuous guidance and assistance provided by Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra and consular camps.