The Indian Central Cabinet approved a proposal to allow dual citizenship
for persons of Indian origin (PIOs) living abroad. The proposal, which
must be submitted to the Indian Parliament in order to amend the Citizenship
Act of 1955 and become law, would apply to PIOs living in eight countries
that allow dual citizenship. The U.S. is one of the eight countries.
The other seven are: Britain, Australia, Canada, Finland, Ireland, the
Netherlands, and Italy.
An Indian living in one of the eight countries would have to apply
for dual citizenship. The request would be verified and subject to scrutiny.
Security concerns would be part of the review and are one of the reasons
dual citizenship will only be granted on a case-by-case basis. One of
the reasons for the move is to encourage and allow PIOs to invest in
India. This is easier as an Indian citizen.
When one is once again an Indian citizen, the dual citizen presumably
would be able to own real estate and purchase property within India
with few or no restrictions. For example, although PIOs are allowed
to own certain real property, there are apparently some restrictions
on owning agricultural property. Dual citizens would not be allowed
to vote in India, run for public office, or take defense jobs.
As a government-sponsored proposal, it has a strong likelihood of success.
Interested individuals should continue to monitor MurthyDotCom, the
MurthyBulletin, and the international press for updates on this topic.
We welcome this expected change for the many Indian nationals who are
contemplating U.S. citizenship while wanting to retain their Indian
citizenship. For those who have already naturalized as U.S. citizens,
it would also be a favorable change, enabling them to reclaim ties to
their country of birth while continuing to live and work in their adopted
homeland. If enacted as law in India, dual citizenship would afford
them this opportunity!