Daily Current Affairs : 30-June-2023
Passport surrender, an act of voluntarily giving up one’s Indian citizenship, has become a growing phenomenon in India. According to data obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request, approximately 70,000 Indians surrendered their passports between 2011 and 2022. This essay aims to explore the reasons behind this trend and its potential implications for the individuals and the country.
Trend Analysis:
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed that eight states, namely Goa, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Chandigarh, accounted for over 90 percent of the surrendered passports. Among these states, Goa had the highest number of surrendered passports, with 40.45 percent of the total. Goa consistently topped the list, except for 2012 and 2013, when Gujarat held the maximum numbers. On average, 11,422 Indians renounced their Indian citizenship every month since 2011, resulting in over 16 lakh individuals relinquishing their passports during this period.
Reasons for Passport Surrender:
Several factors contribute to the increasing number of Indians surrendering their passports. These include:
- Economic Opportunities: Many Indians seek better job prospects and living conditions abroad, particularly in developed countries. The Indian diaspora has grown significantly, with newer generations holding passports of other countries. Consequently, older Indians choose to leave in order to reunite with their families settled overseas.
- Legal Concerns: Some individuals may be fleeing the law or fearing legal action for alleged crimes. High net worth individuals around the world who renounce their birth citizenship often do so due to rising crime rates or the lack of business opportunities in their home countries.
- Safety and Lifestyle Factors: Factors such as safety concerns for women and children, lifestyle preferences including climate and pollution, and desire for better healthcare and educational opportunities for families play a role in the decision to surrender passports. Additionally, oppressive governments in some cases prompt individuals to seek a new citizenship for increased personal freedoms.
Implications:
The growing trend of passport surrender in India carries several implications:
- Brain Drain: The outflow of skilled and talented individuals can result in a loss of human capital for the country. India’s post-independence diasporic community has been leaving the country in pursuit of better job opportunities and higher education abroad.
- Economic Impact: The departure of high net worth individuals can lead to a loss of investments and potential economic contributions. Additionally, the payment of taxes and financial concerns may play a role in the decision to surrender Indian citizenship.
- International Travel Access: India ranks 69th on the passport power rank according to the World Passport Index. A higher passport index ranking provides better access to travel visa-free to many countries. The surrender of Indian passports limits the international mobility and travel opportunities for individuals who choose to renounce their citizenship.
Important Points:
- Between 2011 and 2022, close to 70,000 Indians surrendered their passports at regional passport offices (RPOs) across the country.
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed that Goa, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Chandigarh accounted for over 90% of the surrendered passports.
- Goa had the highest number of surrendered passports, followed by Punjab.
- On average, 11,422 Indians renounced their Indian citizenship every month since 2011, resulting in over 16 lakh individuals relinquishing their passports during this period.
- Reasons for passport surrender include seeking better economic opportunities, joining family members settled overseas, fleeing the law or fear of legal action, concerns about safety, lifestyle factors such as climate and pollution, financial concerns including taxes, and escaping oppressive governments.
- The outflow of skilled individuals contributes to brain drain and loss of human capital for the country.
- The departure of high net worth individuals can lead to a loss of investments and economic contributions.
- India’s ranking of 69th on the passport power rank limits international travel access for those who surrender their passports.
- Addressing the underlying causes and creating a conducive environment for growth and development can help mitigate passport surrender.
- Policymakers can explore strategies to encourage the retention of skilled individuals and attract the Indian diaspora back to contribute to the nation’s progress.
Why In News
Between 2011 and 2022, close to 70,000 Indians voluntarily surrendered their passports at regional passport offices (RPOs) across the country, relinquishing their citizenship rights and embracing new paths in life.This significant number highlights the diverse reasons behind the surrender, including individuals seeking international opportunities, pursuing global mobility, or making personal choices that transcend geographical boundaries.
MCQs about Passport Surrender in India
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Why do some individuals choose to surrender their Indian passports?
A. To gain better job opportunities abroad
B. To retain their Indian citizenship while living overseas
C. To avoid paying taxes in India
D. To increase their international travel access
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Why do some individuals surrender their Indian passports?
A. To gain better job opportunities abroad
B. To avoid legal consequences for alleged crimes
C. Due to safety concerns and lifestyle preferences
D. All of the above
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What is the potential impact of passport surrender on India?
A. Brain drain and loss of human capital
B. Economic consequences, including a loss of investments
C. Limited international travel access for surrendered passport holders
D. All of the above
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