Lok Sabha Debates
Regarding Dual Citizenship To The Non-Resident Indians. on 9 May, 2003
Title: Regarding dual citizenship to the Non-Resident Indians.
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN (CHIRAYINKIL): Sir, it was reported in the Press that the Central Government is contemplating to give dual citizenship rights to Indians working abroad. The idea is good, but there is discrimination in this. People who are living in Western countries like Great Britain, France and Europe will get the benefit, but others will not be getting this benefit. There are lakhs of people who are working in the Gulf countries, but they will not be benefited. There are people working in Singapore. Tamilians as well as Malayalees, employed in Singapore and Malaysia, will not get the right of dual citizenship. There are Indians in Australia, who will not get the benefit. This is a discriminatory step.
I would request the Central Government to consider all the Indians working abroad alike. Giving dual citizenship to people working in the Western countries and denying it to others is not a correct procedure. It is not a correct treatment. People who are working abroad, Tamilians as well as Malayalees, and in the Middle East and the Far East should also be benefited by this decision.
In today’s papers, it is reported that the Indians born in Britain would get this benefit. However, when not more than 50 per cent of them are born in Britain, how can they be given dual citizenship?
Therefore, considering all these aspects, it is only just and fair that the right should be given to all the Indians who are working abroad.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Now, I give the floor to Shri Ramesh Chennithala.
… (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Please cooperate with the Chair because we have to take up a Bill at two o’ clock.
… (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Those who have given the notices can alone stand up and speak. Shri Ramesh Chennithala has given a notice to speak during ‘Zero Hour’.