PM announces dual citizenship for overseas Indians

MUMBAI, JANUARY 7 (PTI)

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today announced dual citizenship for all overseas Indians, who had migrated from the country after January 26, 1950.

But the citizenship was conditional to their home countries allowing it under their law.
Singh made the announcement in his inaugural address to the third Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Mumbai.

Over 2000 delegates from around the world have registered for the annual gathering.
The move means that all those who migrated after 1950 will get all the rights of an Indian citizen, but voting rights are not included.

The government will also look at simplify the procedure for registration of People of Indian Origin (PIO) for granting them dual citizenship.

Various options, including the possibility of introducing a smart card, are being considered.
New user-friendly form, combining the three forms prescribed earlier, had been evolved and will be notified soon.