Dual Citizenship is a much talked about topic nowadays, as the world of politics heats up. One country that remains out on the matter, is India. India with the new formation of government, with the new, quick acting and adamant Narendra Modi, and the new Union Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh, have been in the eyes of many Non-Residential Indians, in order to change the dual-citizenship laws.
What is Dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship is where a person is a citizen of two different countries. Most commonly, this takes place when someone born in one country, or who holds a natural citizenship in one country, seeks another one in a different country.
Why would people want another citizenship?
People may seek a second citizenship to claim benefits in one country, or be able to partake in activities only accessible to citizens, such as running for elections or voting, while still being in official touch with their land of origin?
Why did the previous government not adopt dual-citizenship?
The most likely reason would be due to the state of the foreign affairs. It would spark debate in other countries, about people having two citizenships, one from India, and one of another between which the ties are heated or damaged.
Why should the new government adopt it?
The BJP government should adopt this for numerous reasons. First of all, with the coming of Modi, diplomatic ties may be set to cool off and benefit. Dual citizenship would allow a more diverse view between the people, and could further mend or enhance ties. It would also help complete former BJP Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji's wish, of having dual citizenship open to NRI's in certain countries, which again would be a step towards stronger ties, potential trade agreements and a higher possibility of investments in India, with many people of Indian origin reconnected with their country, on a national or official level. There are very few negatives to it!
Has anything been said/done yet about Dual Citizenship in India?
Yes and no. There has been a bit of poking around on the issue, and the BJP did plan to do something about Dual-citizenship for the people of Goa, however there has been no straight debate or discussion on the issue. A petition has appeared though, from an NRI/OCI in Australia, take a look:
Petition for Dual Citizenship for NRIs
Personally, I am in favour of Dual-Citizenship being granted to NRIs, partly because I am one, and have been travelling around the world. Due to this, I want to continue doing so, and should I seek citizenship benefits abroad, I do not want to lose my precious, official Indian identity.
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