India to offer dual citizenship to 20 million

[Jagat 1]

<h3>India to offer dual citizenship to 20 million</h3>

 

Associated Press

 

New Delhi — The Indian government will enact a new law to provide dual citizenship to nearly 20 million people of Indian origin who live abroad, newspapers reported Monday.

 

The change in citizenship laws will be announced at a conference of people of Indian origin that begins in New Delhi later this week, Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani was quoted as saying in the Hindustan Times newspaper.

 

People of Indian descent who are citizens of countries that allow residents to hold dual citizenship — such as Canada, the United States, Britain, and Australia — will be given preference, Mr. Advani said.

 

People of Indian descent who take on Indian citizenship would be able to purchase and own property and real estate in India. However, they will not be allowed to vote or run for office.

 

Because of security concerns, Indian citizenship will not be automatic but will be decided on an individual basis, Mr. Advani said.

 

"They will first have to apply and their application would be considered on the basis of reciprocity," he is reported to have said.

 

The government will formally announce the changes in India's citizenship laws on Jan. 10 at an international celebration of people of Indian origin to begin Thursday in New Delhi.

 

Around 1,500 people of Indian descent, mostly from the United States, Britain, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, will participate.

 

 

[madhav 0]

this is good!

 

[Guest guest]

Hello, I'm doing a report on India, and was wondering if there was a written exam or some other type of requirement to become a citizen in India. I'm actually in class right now, so I'm hoping someone will read this.