THE CITIZENSHIP ACT (2003)
There has been pressing demand and expectation been pressing demand and expectation for dual citizenship for persons of Indian North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and few other countries. The grant of dual citizenship was intended de grant of dual citizenship was intended to remove for those who have n foreign passports, the obstacle in travel to and from India, permit investment in business ventures and foster a greater sense of belonging. On the occasion of the first Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas on 9th January 2003. former Prime Minister of India Shri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee made an announcement for the grant of dual citizenship to PIOS.
To translate an announcement into a reality. the necessary legislation was introduced by the Government of India in Parliament in May 2003. The Indian Parliament on December 22, 2003, has passed a Bill to grant dual citizenship to people of Indian origin (P10). The Bill received the President’s assent on January 7, 2004.
Among other things, the Citizenship ( Amendment) Act -2003, which amends the Citizenship Act -1955, would simplify the procedure to facilitate the reacquisition of Indian citizenship by persons of full age who are children of Indian citizens and former Indian citizens. It is a tribute to the broad vision of this concept, that it has enjoyed full support across various sections of people in India, including the full support of all political parties and subsequently, the legislation was passed by Parliament unanimously in December 2003.
The concept of dual citizenship, now phrased as Overseas Citizenship, will grant overseas citizenship to | persons of Indian origin belonging to certain countries as well as Indian citizens who may take up the citizenship of these countries in future. At present this facility is being extended to PIOs of 16 specified countries, namely, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Greece Ireland. Israel, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Republic of Cyprus, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR DUAL CITIZENSHIP
The Central Government on an application made on this behalf may register any personas an overseas citizen of India il; a) that person is of Indian origin of full age and in who has obtained the citizenship of specified countries on or after the commencement of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003 and who was a citizen of India immediately before such commencement; c) The person registered as an overseas citizens of India shall be an overseas citizen of India as from the date on which he is so registered.