Dual citizenship is the status of an individual who holds two citizenships simultaneously. It can be advantageous for people who want to travel, work, live, or study in two different countries. However, not all countries allow their citizens to have dual citizenship. In this blog post, we will explore whether Indians can get dual citizenship.
India does not allow dual citizenship. The Indian Citizenship Act of 1955 does not recognize dual citizenship, and Indian citizens who acquire citizenship of another country automatically lose their Indian citizenship. However, the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme was introduced in 2005 to enable people of Indian origin to have a lifelong visa to visit India, but it does not provide dual citizenship.
There are some exceptions to the rule. People who have acquired citizenship of another country before 2004 are exempt from losing their Indian citizenship. Additionally, minors who hold foreign passports are allowed to hold Indian passports until they turn 18. After that, they have to surrender either their Indian or foreign passport.
In conclusion, Indians cannot get dual citizenship under the current laws of India. However, Indian citizens can still enjoy the benefits of the OCI scheme, which provides many of the benefits of dual citizenship, such as lifetime visa-free travel to India, parity with non-resident Indians in economic, financial, and educational fields, and the ability to purchase and own property in India. It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding dual citizenship and OCI can change, so it is always advisable to consult with the relevant authorities before making any decisions.