NRIs say not allowing dual citizenship is unfair

Indian immigrants who have acquired British citizenship or permanent residency here have termed the Indian government's refusal to allow dual citizenship as unfair and may protest outside the Indian High Commission here over the issue.

Last week, the Highly Skilled Migrants Permit Forum and Association of Immigrants wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, urging him to initiate moves to allow dual citizenship so that Indians abroad with foreign citizenship could have the security of full Indian citizenship.

Amit Kapadia, Executive Director of the HSMP Forum, said: "It is not only the Indian citizens who work and settle abroad but also their families, relatives and friends in India who would also want them to retain their Indian citizenship alongside their foreign documents.

"Denying dual citizenship is not only unfair but a clear disregard for India's proudly held democratic ideals. Majority of the democratic countries offer dual citizenship or allow their citizens to apply for foreign citizenship without making them give up basic rights in their home country."

Kumarasamy, executive committee member of the HSMP Forum said, "Many Indian immigrants in the UK are disheartened regarding the dual citizenship issue. Unfortunately, the Indian government has not done anything to address it. "We are in the process of taking further action and are planning to organise a protest outside the Indian High Commission."